Israel, India present: Economic love affair

YNET News, Israel ^ | January 8, 2012 | Aimee Ginsburg

[James C. Bennett]

Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna's upcoming visit to Israel marks the opening of a festive year in the ties between the two countries, 20 years since diplomatic relations were established in 1992.

"The visit is perceived as the most natural thing between two countries with such close ties, even intimate," says David Goldfarb, a spokesman for the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi. "A visit by a foreign minister is completely normal between countries which share such a level of friendship,"

Indeed, in recent years the relations have grown stronger at a fast rate. In the past, the ties focused on diamond trade, arms exports and hikers' trips to India, but today they are held on all levels.

Different types of partnerships

A look into the list of Israeli ministers who visited India in 2010 provides a fascinating image of the relationship between the two countries today. Economy is naturally the main issue.

The volume of trade between the two countries reached $5 billion last year. According to estimates, after the free trade agreement is signed in 2012, this number will quickly triple itself.

Hundreds of Israeli and Indian companies have already entered different types of partnerships in the fields of security, agriculture, technology and alternative energy, real estate, pharmaceutics, telecom, etc.

The most recent visit was made by Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz, who attracted a lot of media attention. The visit focused on research and development issues, and one of the minister's most interesting statements was that scholarships would be handed out to 100 postdoctoral candidates in technological fields in order to bring them to study in Israel and connect the intelligence of both countries.

"Israel views its ties with India as its second most important relationship after the United States," Steinitz told Indian media.

[RoosterRedux]

Now that I think about it, Israelis and Indians have many great cultural qualities in common.

That said, my favorite Indian restaurant is MUCH better than my favorite deli (and my favorite deli is awesome).

[Colonel Kangaroo]

Forty years ago it was India and the USSR versus Pakistan and the USA. Nations have interests, not permanent friendship as is the case between individuals.

[paintriot]

I always imagined the U.S., Israel, and India in a kind of Ménage à trois. Maybe my fantasy will come true.

[Wiz]

While the relationship between Israel and China was a concern,
Israel’s shift of focus from China to India is ideal for America’s interest, and is a win-win solution for US, Israel, and India. As long as Israel will stay away from China, and engage India as an alternative to China, America has no problem with such strategy. I hope there will be a defense pact between US and India on the long run.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks James C. Bennett.

The volume of trade between the two countries reached $5 billion last year. According to estimates, after the free trade agreement is signed in 2012, this number will quickly triple itself... security, agriculture, technology and alternative energy, real estate, pharmaceutics, telecom, etc... one of the minister's most interesting statements was that scholarships would be handed out to 100 postdoctoral candidates in technological fields in order to bring them to study in Israel and connect the intelligence of both countries.