How Modi's Historic Visit Will Take Indo-Israel Ties Beyond Just Shalom-Namaste

Sometimes, a journey's halfway point becomes more important than its final destination. Where an intended (or unintended) halt may end up becoming the most memorable echo from history for generations to come; when all is said and done.

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When Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his journey towards Germany for the G20 Summit, he will mark it by creating history. By setting foot on the red carpet rolled out at Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv, Modi will become the first ever Prime Minister of India to visit Israel.

Anticipation is high ahead of the visit, and a lot has been said and written about the historic event for both the countries. But the real excitement (for three days) will begin with the exchange of ‘Shalom-Namaste’ this evening. And it's almost time to mark the date even if you aren't interested in contemporary history or international relations.

When Modi took the office of Prime Minister of India in 2014, it was highly expected that he would publicly embrace Israel and take the relations with the Jewish state ahead from where the previous National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government left off at the time of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s visit to India in 2003. But as fate would have it, NDA’s eyewash of ‘India Shining’ was out in the open and they lost power next year. Despite that, the simmering love of the right-wing party for Israel never died down and as soon as BJP returned to power with an emphatic win, it was deemed only a matter of time before New Delhi and Tel Aviv took their bilateral relations to the next level.

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Israel has always looked up to and counted on India to show support on various international issues, particularly those involving the Arab countries. Up until recently, India’s policy of balancing between the Arabs and Israel was perceived as cold shoulder by the leadership of the Jewish state. Things started to change in 1992 when the Narasimha Rao-led Congress government initiated diplomatic relations with Israel and the two states exchanged envoys.

Forget The Past, Where’s The Present Taking Us

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In the interest of the millennials reading this, let’s cut to the chase. Let's analyse the present and try to assess the future of Indo-Israel ties.

When we talk about India and Israel, there’s obviously technology, defence, education, culture, free market and more on the table.

Okay, there is Hindutva and Zionism, too. But let’s first concentrate on the things that are likely to feature more during the next three days. Those who are interested in apocalypse are in for some disappointment though, at least for the next few paras.

Of Shrouds And Symbols ?

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It is significant that Modi (read an Indian Prime Minister) has agreed to visit Israel, tearing all the shrouds of mystery under which the bilateral relations were seemingly flourishing so far. But it is more important to say that the two states have their own reasons to announce this renewed relationship with all the symbols that make it look big.?

Commentators may argue that the special relations between the two states do not require symbolism – and Modi could have continued the already flourishing ties as they have gone on so far – but the reality remains that both Modi and Netanyahu likes big stage to announce their arrival. Both the leaders are known to take pleasure in being cheered by the people, followed by the media and recognised by the adversaries as a force to be reckoned with.?

Therefore, knowing Modi's taste for grandeur and hyperboles, Israel is leaving no stone unturned in welcoming him. Social media is abuzz with videos from Israel welcoming Modi, experts and lobbyists are alerted to churn out numerous articles on Indo-Israel relations. Modi likes it, and yes Bibi (Netanyahu) likes it too.

Free Trade And Technology

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You don’t need to be an economist to understand this demand and supply equation between India and Israel. The former is a huge market while the latter is a tiny but sufficing supplier.

How many times do we end up finding the origins of technological marvels in Israel? The tiny nation – full of immigrants who claim to be its rightful claimants – has indeed impressed one and all with its technological advancements over the years. Many Indian states - including Gujarat and Haryana - are using Israeli technology in different realms. In a recent article, P R Kumaraswamy, Professor of Israeli Studies at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University, has roughly listed them beginning with waste management and reprocessing, desalination, reclaiming desertification, waste water recycling, farming, animal husbandry, primary and secondary health, biotechnology, nanotechnology, skill development, etc. Besides this, India can also take help from Israel in cyber security as well.

Brothers In Defence

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Is it superfluous to say so? No, not at all. Israel has helped India in its various armed conflicts. India is a major buyer of Israeli defence equipment. In the coming years, we are going to see an increase in defence ties, no matter which government is in power. India, in the past, has gone to Israel for help without being turned down and in return Israel expects India to stand by it in international forums, which looks very likely to happen from India’s side going forward. India is taking Israel’s help in countering terrorist attack; both the countries will surely share intelligence regarding that as well.

Of Ideological Hugs and Extremist Thugs

Both India and Israel are currently ruled by parties that are known for their strong inclination towards religious nationalism. The right-wing leaders in both the countries, for decades, have admired each other for how they have tackled ‘the menace’ – the Muslims, who roughly constitute a similar percentage of the population in both the states. However, what has been seen on the level of statecraft, both Modi and Netanyahu tried to maintain an inclusive image as statesmen. While Modi, in rhetoric has promised “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (roughly development for all), Bibi recently was seen wishing Ramadan Kareem to the Muslim citizens of Israel. Nobody knows what their private jokes on these issues are, but both the leaders of “democracies” would like to transmit inclusive vibes and keep that narrative going. The rest, as they say, is internal politics and should not be mixed with international relations.

New Era, Just Bring It!

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People, particularly the youth in both the countries, ?would want to see closer ties, visa-free travel, academic exchange programmes, and cultural events. Both Modi and Bibi must ensure this. If smoking Ganja in the Himalayas relieves a lot of young Israelis after their mandatory military service, spiritual Indians would definitely like to experience the ‘Jerusalem Syndrome’. Israeli universities that are already hosting Indian students must open their gates to more talent from India. Similarly, multinational corporations in India’s special economic zones must make some more space for the Israeli professionals. Win win, no brainer.

So has India forgotten Palestine?

Don’t make any mistakes. Irrespective of the fact that this will be the first time that an Indian leader will visit Israel without visiting Palestine – in what is being called the de-hyphenation of relations – Modi has clearly told Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom that India backs a two-state solution. For those who may cheer that this time India has not mentioned East Jerusalem as the Capital of Palestine, the joy is a bit too premature. Practically, if the fate of Jerusalem is to be decided at any world stage, India may not be able to do anything more than provide lip service and a vote at the UN.

Anyway, let’s keep our fingers crossed for what Modi takes back from Israel apart from a Kippa and a Menorah. Oh wait, he’s going to Germany before that. Okay then, tschuss! PM Modi.