Why Israel Loves India?

Why Israel Loves India: A Bond of History, Humanity, and Strategic Partnership

The relationship between Israel and India stands as a unique example of mutual respect, deep-rooted trust, and flourishing cooperation. Unlike the often strained relations Israel has faced across much of the world due to antisemitism or ideological hostility, India has always been an exception — a civilizational friend that never persecuted Jews, provided them sanctuary, and now, in modern times, stands as a vital strategic partner. The reasons Israel loves India are not just political or transactional; they are historical, emotional, and ideological.

1. A History Free from Antisemitism

One of the most significant reasons for the strong Israeli affection towards India is the complete absence of antisemitism in Indian history. While Jews suffered persecution, pogroms, forced conversions, and genocide across Europe and parts of the Middle East, India remained an island of peace and tolerance.

  • Cochin Jews arrived in Kerala over 2,000 years ago, possibly after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, and were warmly welcomed by Hindu kings.
  • The Bene Israel community, who settled along the Konkan coast of Maharashtra, lived in harmony with locals and were integrated into Indian society without giving up their identity.
  • The Baghdadi Jews who came to India during the 18th and 19th centuries were respected traders and intellectuals, particularly in Kolkata and Mumbai.

India’s pluralistic and dharmic civilization never saw the Jew as “the other.” There was no religious dogma demanding the conversion or condemnation of Jews. This starkly contrasts with centuries of European Christian antisemitism and later political Islamist hostility in the Middle East.

2. Holocaust Period: India Remained Safe

During the Holocaust (1939–1945), when six million Jews were being exterminated by the Nazi regime, India, under British rule, remained one of the rare places where Jews were safe. While the British Raj was ambivalent about Jewish immigration, Indian society was not hostile. Many Jews from Europe found refuge in India, and their stories are part of the broader narrative of India’s quiet but profound humanitarian character.

3. Emotional Connection in Israeli Memory

This long-standing hospitality is etched into Israeli memory. It’s not unusual for Israeli leaders and diplomats to publicly state, “India is the only place where Jews never faced persecution.” The emotional gratitude for this ancient friendship is real and reciprocated by Indians who see Jews as fellow victims of historical invasions, colonialism, and ideological suppression.

In 2017, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel — the first ever Indian PM to do so — he was warmly embraced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who broke protocol to personally accompany Modi at every step of the visit. Netanyahu called it a “historic and deeply emotional moment,” referring not just to politics but to shared civilizational respect.

4. Growing Cultural Affection

The love between the two nations is also people-to-people, not just government-to-government.

  • Young Israelis travel to India in large numbers after their military service, seeking peace and spiritual rejuvenation in places like Himachal Pradesh, Goa, and Rishikesh.
  • Indians are widely respected in Israel for their culture, work ethic, and philosophical depth. Indian Jews who migrated to Israel from Cochin or Maharashtra remain proud of their Indian heritage and have integrated seamlessly while preserving their Indian traditions.
  • Bollywood films, Indian food, and yoga are popular among Israelis, further deepening cultural bonds.

5. A Shared Battle Against Terrorism

Israel respects India for its resilience against terrorism. Both countries face existential threats from ideologically driven neighbors and hostile non-state actors. India’s experience with cross-border terrorism from Pakistan mirrors Israel’s challenges from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran-backed proxies.

Israel has never condemned India’s counter-terror actions in Kashmir or elsewhere. Similarly, India has refrained from joining anti-Israel resolutions at the UN in recent years, moving away from earlier non-aligned posturing to a more pragmatic and morally grounded foreign policy.

Israelis admire India’s clarity of purpose under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has openly celebrated ties with Israel, removing the past diplomatic hesitation that stemmed from fear of alienating Arab countries.

6. Strategic and Defense Cooperation

Modern India-Israel relations are characterized by robust strategic, defense, and technological cooperation:

  • Israel is one of India’s top arms suppliers, providing cutting-edge technologies like drones, missile defense systems (like the Barak-8), and electronic warfare tools.
  • Joint defense R&D projects have increased. For instance, India and Israel are collaborating on AI-based warfare systems, border management solutions, and cybersecurity.
  • During the 1999 Kargil War, Israel reportedly supplied crucial military equipment to India on short notice, despite international pressure. This act of solidarity is remembered with gratitude.

7. Agricultural and Technological Partnerships

Israel has earned respect globally for turning arid desert land into fertile fields through advanced agricultural technology. This know-how has been generously shared with India:

  • Israeli experts have helped set up Centers of Excellence in various Indian states, teaching Indian farmers about drip irrigation, water conservation, and high-yield techniques.
  • Israeli innovations in water management — such as desalination and wastewater recycling — are being adapted in India, especially in drought-prone regions.

This cooperation aligns with the Make in India and Digital India initiatives, where Israeli tech meets Indian scale.

8. Shared Civilizational Identity

Unlike the West, Israel does not look at India through a colonial or orientalist lens. Both nations are ancient civilizations that faced foreign invasions, foreign rule, and existential threats — yet they emerged with strong cultural identities intact.

This shared civilizational pride gives Israel a sense of kinship with India. While the West often sees India through a liberal or strategic filter, Israel sees India as a fellow ancient civilization that resisted homogenization and defended its traditions.

9. Political Alignment Without Interference

Israel loves India’s non-interfering foreign policy. India does not meddle in Israel’s internal affairs, nor does it use Israel as a political tool to appease voting blocs — something that happens frequently in Western democracies.

Moreover, India supports the two-state solution diplomatically but has never supported or funded anti-Israel entities. Even during tricky UN votes, India has gradually shifted to a more balanced stance, often abstaining rather than voting against Israel.

Conclusion: A Relationship Rooted in Respect

Israel’s love for India is not built solely on economic or strategic convenience. It is rooted in 2,000 years of goodwill, civilizational harmony, and a modern partnership of equals. In a world full of transactional alliances, the India-Israel friendship is unique — historically pure, morally upright, and strategically sound.

This relationship continues to flourish because it is based not just on what each country needs, but on what each country respects in the other: dignity, resilience, and the will to survive and prosper without surrendering identity.

As the 21st century advances, this bond will only grow deeper — not just in defense deals or technology transfers, but in the hearts and minds of people who value friendship that’s built on gratitude and trust.

Comments are closed.