By Anjali Singh
The post-World War (II) period created an ecosystem of some surprising alliances despite the prevalent conflict between East and West that was deeply registered in people’s minds. One of the most impressive among them was the one that was formed between India and Israel, which, notwithstanding their different goals and priorities, shared a mutual urgency for security and sovereignty.
Both nations recognized the strategic importance of developing diplomatic relations in accordance with the dictates of realism. In 1992, the formalisation of diplomatic relations between Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Indian Prime Minister Narasimha Rao was a true manifestation of realpolitik. Realists in both governments had identified the untapped potential of a mutually beneficial cooperation: India offered a large marketplace and strategic depth in Asia, while Israel offered military information and technological innovation.
The foundation of this complementarity was defence and security collaboration. During the 1999 Kargil War, the strategic partnership between Israel and India was further solidified, reinforced by dynamics of power and survival. Israel was among the few nations that provided India with direct military assistance, supplying vital arms and intelligence that were essential for India’s efforts.
Moving to another form of violence, terrorism too was addressed through collaborative instruments including a Joint Working Group. Three important agreements were concluded on February 2014 between India and Israel: one on the protection of classified material, the other on homeland security cooperation, and the third on mutual legal assistance in criminal cases. These accords exhibited the fundamental principles of neoliberal institutionalism, which underlines the role that international organisations and accords play in promoting stability and collaboration. Since 2015, upon completion of their training at the National Police Academy in Hyderabad, IPS officer trainees have begun travelling annually to the Israel National Police Academy for a one-week overseas training.
An ever-growing friendship
During the last week of April, in a concerted effort to address potential future security threats, the Israeli embassy organised a joint security drill with Indian security personnel in Delhi. The exercise involved the National Security Guard, the Delhi Police, and local emergency services. Israeli ambassador Naor Gilon lauded the exercise as a major success, highlighting its importance in enhancing cooperation between the two nations in security and defence. “This joint security drill with Indian security forces marks a significant milestone. We extend our gratitude for their efforts,” Ambassador Gilon remarked. “These collaborative exercises strengthen our nations’ cooperation in security and defence and reinforce our shared commitment to global stability. We remain steadfast in our determination to foster continued collaboration for a safer world.”
The primary goal of the exercise was to assess and improve the readiness of security forces to effectively counter potential threats. Participants engaged in simulated scenarios that included potential terrorist incidents, with drills conducted both during the day and during night at the Israeli embassy in New Delhi. Elite troops from the participating agencies were mobilised, and traffic management was overseen by the Delhi Traffic Police. An embassy statement elaborated on the benefits of the exercise: “The exercise served as a platform for both Israeli and Indian forces to refine their coordination, communication, and operational procedures, thereby strengthening their joint efforts against terrorism.”
Security, the grit in the oyster
This growing security relationship between Israel and India can be analysed through the lens of liberal international relations theory, which emphasises the role of institutions and collaboration in shaping state behaviour. The liberal values of mutual benefit, established trust, and the pursuit of common objectives are evident in the expanding security collaboration between the two nations. In essence, both countries share democratic principles and face comparable security challenges. These two elements provide a solid foundation for their partnership.
Despite the geopolitical complications and diplomatic hurdles, particularly highlighted by the recent anti-Israeli protests on college campuses worldwide—from Copenhagen to Baghdad—triggered by Israel’s invasion of Gaza following a Hamas attack on October 7, the strong security partnership between Israel and India persists. This alliance is bolstered by common security concerns, strategic alignment, military cooperation, diplomatic pragmatism, and economic interests.
The ongoing cooperation not only enhances the security of both nations but also supports regional stability initiatives and counterterrorism activities. The collaboration between Israel and India stands as a beacon of how shared democratic values and mutual interests can forge resilient and dynamic partnerships in an increasingly complex global landscape.
The longstanding history of relations between Israel and India serves as evidence of how various theories of international relations combine. Their early defence and diplomatic relations were founded upon realism, while their collaboration in economics and security could be analysed through the prism by liberalism and neoliberal institutionalism. Multilateralism can explain their joint efforts towards fighting terrorism and constructivism their cultural ties.
