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Removed the unclear source & the corresponding data. The source(bbc opinion poll) only says there is an 18% negative rating. But it does not say a thing about the percentage of positive, & uncommitted responses. Too vague & unclear. Removed it.
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Official diplomatic relations between Israel and India did not exist until 1992 but since then the two countries have developed a solid relationship. India did not recognize the state of Israel until that time for two main reasons. Firstly, although [[India]] belonged to the [[Non-Aligned Movement]], it was an [[Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation|ally of the USSR]], and yet followed the general pattern of non-aligned countries with regards to foreign relations. Secondly, India was a strong supporter of [[Proposals for a Palestinian state|Palestinian independence]]. In 1947 New-Delhi proposed to the Special Committee of the United Nations on Palestine (UNSCOP) the creation of a federal Palestine with autonomous status for the Jewish population.<ref>c.f. C. Jaffrelot, ''Inde-Israel, le nouvel élément clé de l'axe du bien ?'' Critique Internationale, n°21, October 2003.</ref> After the [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|Kashmiri insurrection in 1989]], the [[collapse of the USSR]] and the [[Indo-Pakistani relations|military escalation with Pakistan]], the political framework changed, resulting in the establishment of relations between India and Israel in 1992. The loss of the [[Indian National Congress]] in the general elections and the coming of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]], along with concerns about [[Islamic fundamentalism]] in the [[Middle East]] and the [[Indian subcontinent]]<ref>c.f. C. Jaffrelot, op.cit.</ref><ref>[http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/display.article?id=2411 c.f. A Financial Times article].</ref> are also to take into consideration. Establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel also was a step in strengthening relationships with the [[United States]]<ref>[http://www.pinr.com/report.php?ac=view_report&report_id=277&language_id=1 Indo-Israeli Ties: The Post-Arafat Shift]- Power and Interest News Report</ref> The new level of collaboration between the two countries was pursued even after the [[Indian National Congress]] returned to power in 2004. Israel is now India's second largest arms provider after [[Russia]]. India is viewed by both the Israelis and the Palestinians as a trustworthy intermediary.<ref>name="talk">[http://in.rediff.com/news/2006/feb/09israel.htm Talk to Palestine, Israel tells India] Rediff - February 09, 2006</ref>
Official diplomatic relations between Israel and India did not exist until 1992 but since then the two countries have developed a solid relationship. India did not recognize the state of Israel until that time for two main reasons. Firstly, although [[India]] belonged to the [[Non-Aligned Movement]], it was an [[Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation|ally of the USSR]], and yet followed the general pattern of non-aligned countries with regards to foreign relations. Secondly, India was a strong supporter of [[Proposals for a Palestinian state|Palestinian independence]]. In 1947 New-Delhi proposed to the Special Committee of the United Nations on Palestine (UNSCOP) the creation of a federal Palestine with autonomous status for the Jewish population.<ref>c.f. C. Jaffrelot, ''Inde-Israel, le nouvel élément clé de l'axe du bien ?'' Critique Internationale, n°21, October 2003.</ref> After the [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|Kashmiri insurrection in 1989]], the [[collapse of the USSR]] and the [[Indo-Pakistani relations|military escalation with Pakistan]], the political framework changed, resulting in the establishment of relations between India and Israel in 1992. The loss of the [[Indian National Congress]] in the general elections and the coming of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]], along with concerns about [[Islamic fundamentalism]] in the [[Middle East]] and the [[Indian subcontinent]]<ref>c.f. C. Jaffrelot, op.cit.</ref><ref>[http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/display.article?id=2411 c.f. A Financial Times article].</ref> are also to take into consideration. Establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel also was a step in strengthening relationships with the [[United States]]<ref>[http://www.pinr.com/report.php?ac=view_report&report_id=277&language_id=1 Indo-Israeli Ties: The Post-Arafat Shift]- Power and Interest News Report</ref> The new level of collaboration between the two countries was pursued even after the [[Indian National Congress]] returned to power in 2004. Israel is now India's second largest arms provider after [[Russia]]. India is viewed by both the Israelis and the Palestinians as a trustworthy intermediary.<ref>name="talk">[http://in.rediff.com/news/2006/feb/09israel.htm Talk to Palestine, Israel tells India] Rediff - February 09, 2006</ref>


According to an international opinion survey conducted in 2009 on behalf of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, India is the most pro-Israel country in the world, followed by [[United States]].<ref>[http://www.ynet.co.il/english/articles/0,7340,L-3696887,00.html From India with love]</ref> However, according to a BBC poll, only 21% of the Indian public saw Israel as a positive influence while 18% saw it as a negative influence. A large plurality of about of about 61% was undecided as per a 2011 poll.<ref>http://www.worldpublicopinion.org/pipa/articles/views_on_countriesregions_bt/680.php</ref>
According to an international opinion survey conducted in 2009 on behalf of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, India is the most pro-Israel country in the world, followed by [[United States]].<ref>[http://www.ynet.co.il/english/articles/0,7340,L-3696887,00.html From India with love]</ref><ref>[http://news.worldsnap.com/city/delhi/nitin-gadkari-to-visit-israel-tomorrow-97059.html World Snap - Today's News of India]</ref>


==History==
==History==

Revision as of 07:14, 2 July 2011

Indo-Israeli relations
Map indicating locations of India and Israel

India
Israel

Indo-Israeli relations refers to the bilateral ties between the State of Israel and the Republic of India.

Official diplomatic relations between Israel and India did not exist until 1992 but since then the two countries have developed a solid relationship. India did not recognize the state of Israel until that time for two main reasons. Firstly, although India belonged to the Non-Aligned Movement, it was an ally of the USSR, and yet followed the general pattern of non-aligned countries with regards to foreign relations. Secondly, India was a strong supporter of Palestinian independence. In 1947 New-Delhi proposed to the Special Committee of the United Nations on Palestine (UNSCOP) the creation of a federal Palestine with autonomous status for the Jewish population.[1] After the Kashmiri insurrection in 1989, the collapse of the USSR and the military escalation with Pakistan, the political framework changed, resulting in the establishment of relations between India and Israel in 1992. The loss of the Indian National Congress in the general elections and the coming of the Bharatiya Janata Party, along with concerns about Islamic fundamentalism in the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent[2][3] are also to take into consideration. Establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel also was a step in strengthening relationships with the United States[4] The new level of collaboration between the two countries was pursued even after the Indian National Congress returned to power in 2004. Israel is now India's second largest arms provider after Russia. India is viewed by both the Israelis and the Palestinians as a trustworthy intermediary.[5]

According to an international opinion survey conducted in 2009 on behalf of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, India is the most pro-Israel country in the world, followed by United States.[6][7]

History

Bene Israel, a group of Jews who migrated in the nineteenth century to India.
Main article: History of the Jews in India

Jews from Eretz Yisrael reached Indian shores as early as 562 BCE. The Hindu king that ruled the Malabar coast gave them permission to live freely, build synagogues, and own property without conditions attached as long as the world and moon exist.[8][9]

Persian speaking Jews from Afghanistan and Iran came to India along with the invading armies of Ghaznavids, Ghori and Mughals between the 11th and 16th centuries . Some of them were traders and courtiers of the Mughals. Akbar's Jewish advisors significantly influenced his religious policies. A Jew was the tutor to the Mughal crown Prince, Dara Shikoh; both of whom where assassinated by Aurangzeb when he usurped the throne. Jews traded freely in Kashmir, the Punjab, and throughout the Mughal Empire.[10] Later Arabic-speaking Baghdadi Jews came to India as traders in the wake of European colonizations. They, eventually established manufacturing and commercial houses of fabulous wealth.[10] The Portuguese were intolerant towards Jews; especially during their Goa Inquisition, where they forcibly converted and persecuted Jews along with Hindus and newly converted Christians who still observed Hindu customs.[11][12]

Anti-Semitism in India only began when the Portuguese arrived in 1498.[11]

India gained independence from the British Empire in 1947, a year before the State of Israel was founded. India, along with Iran and Yugoslavia had recommended a single state with Arab and Jewish majority provinces with an aim to prevent partition of Palestine and prevent any conflict that might follow based on its own experience during partition.[13] However, the final UN resolution decided to partition Palestine into Arab and Jewish states based on religious and ethnic majority which India opposed in the final vote as it did not agree with concept of partition on the basis of religion.[citation needed] Gandhi opposed the creation of Israel as he was against the creation of countries based on religion.[14]

India established official relations with Israel in 1991, although informal ties had existed previously, involving such figures as Moshe Dayan.[15] Israel provided India with crucial information during its multiple wars.[16]India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru supported the creation of Israel.[17] Although India did not subscribe to the Partitioning of Palestine plan of 1947 and voted against Israel's admission in the United Nations in 1949, it did recognize Israel as a nation in 1950.Cite error: The <ref> tag has too many names (see the help page). Various Hindu organizations, led by the Sangh Parivar, openly supported the Jewish cause and the creation of Israel.[18] Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, founder of Hindutva, openly supported Israel when it was created and viewed it's creation as "joyous" and condemned India's vote at the UN against Israel.[19] According to Subhash Kapila the opposition to the establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel during the 1960s and 1970s arose from the Congress Party's desire to appease the Muslims in India as well as to continue the foreign policies of the Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi era.[17] Sushma Swaraj (BJP leader, and leader of opposition of the 15th Lok Sabha) said that Israel is a reliable partner, and that the current government acknowledged it.[20]

The percentage of Indian Jews in the country dropped from 20,000 at independence to less than 6,000 in the wake of Jewish immigration to Israel. Jews have historically lived in Muslim neighborhoods in India due to their dietary habits (between Jewish Kosher and Islamic Halal) as well as linguistic affiliations to the early Persian and Arabic speaking Jews.[21]

Military and strategic ties

India and Israel have increased cooperation in military and intelligence ventures since the establishment of diplomatic relations. While India and Israel were officially "rivals" during the Cold War, the fall of the Soviet Union and the rise of Islamic terrorism in both countries have generated a solid strategic alliance.[22] India recently launched a military satellite for Israel through its Indian Space Research Organization.[23]

In 1997, Israel's President Ezer Weizman became the first head of the Jewish state to visit India. He met with Indian President K.R. Narayanan, Vice President Shankar Dayal Sharma and Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. Weizman negotiated the first weapons deal between the two nations, involving the purchase of Barak-1 vertically-launched surface-to-air (SAM) missiles from Israel. The Barak-1 has the ability to intercept anti-ship missiles such as the Harpoon.[24] The purchase of the Barak-1 missiles from Israel by India was a tactical necessity since Pakistan had purchased Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime surveillance aircraft and 27 Harpoon sea-skimming anti-ship missiles from the United States.[24] Israel was one of the selected few nations, a group that also included France and Russia, that did not condemn India's 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests.[25]

In naval terms, Israel sees great strategic value in an alliance with the Indian Navy, given India's dominance of South Asian waters. Since the Mediterranean has a dominant Arab and European presence that is hostile to the Israeli Navy in varying degrees, it thus sees the potential of establishing a logistical infrastructure in the Indian Ocean with the cooperation of the Indian Navy. In 2000, Israeli submarines reportedly conducted test launches of cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads in the waters of the Indian Ocean, off the Sri Lankan coast.[22]

In 1996 India purchased 32 IAI Searcher unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Electronic Support Measure sensors and an Air Combat Manoeuvering Instrumentation simulator system from Israel.[24] Since then Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has serviced several large contracts with the Indian Air Force including the upgrading of the IAF's Russian-made MiG-21 ground attack aircraft and there have been further sales of unmanned aerial vehicles as well as laser-guided bombs.[26]

A Rediff story in 2003 revealed that the Indian external intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) had clandestine links with the Mossad, Israel's external intelligence agency. When R&AW was founded in 1968 by Rameshwar Nath Kao, he was advised by the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to cultivate links with Mossad. This was suggested as a countermeasure to military links between that of a hostile Pakistan and China, as well as with North Korea. Israel was also concerned that Pakistani army officers were training Libyans and Iranians in handling Chinese and North Korean military equipment.[27] Though India planned to strike Pakistani nuclear research facilities in Kahuta, just like in Operation Opera, where Israel destroyed an Iraqi nuclear reactor, the plan was later dropped.

Pakistan feared intelligence relations between India and Israel threatened Pakistani security. When young Israeli tourists began visiting the Kashmir valley in the early nineties, Pakistan suspected they were disguised Israeli army officers there to help Indian security forces with counter-terrorism operations. Israeli tourists were attacked, with one slain and another kidnapped. Pressure from the Kashmiri Muslim diaspora in the United States led to his release.[27]

Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd signed a $2.5 billion deal with India to develop an anti-aircraft system and missiles for the country, in the biggest defense contract in the history of Israel at the time.[when?] IAI CEO Yitzhak Nissan visited India to finalize the agreement with heads of the defense establishment and the country's president. IAI is developing the Barak-8 missile for the Indian Navy and [Air Force which is capable of protecting sea vessels and ground facilities from aircraft and cruise missiles. The missile has a range of over 70 kilometres. The missile will replace the current obsolete Russian system used by India.[7]

On November 10, 2008, Indian military officials visited Israel to discuss joint weapons development projects, additional sales of Israeli equipment to the Indian military, and counter-terrorism strategies. The new round of talks was seen as a significant expansion in the Indian-Israeli strategic partnership.[8]

In 2008, Israel surpassed Russia as the largest arms supplier to India.[28]

In December 2009, Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defence Forces, made a historic state visit to India to cement the defense ties between the two countries. He pledged every help to India in fighting terrorism.[29][30][31][32]

In March 2011, defense news reported that India is about to buy 8356 Israeli Spike anti-tank missiles, 321 launchers, 15 training simulators and peripheral equipments, for a $1 billion deal, with Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems[33][34]

Trade agreements

The Israeli headquarters of the State Bank of India, located in Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv.

India's commerce minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, visited Israel in February 2010 to discuss a free-trade agreement. He met with Israeli president Shimon Peres; Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer, and representatives of Israel's water technology and high-tech industries. During the visit President Shimon Peres offered New Delhi his country’s complete cooperation in the fight against terror saying, “India’s security is as important to Israel as its own” [35]

Bilateral trade, which was at $200 million in 2001, grew to $4.1 billion by 2009, excluding defense trade. This includes manufacturing, satellite launch, agriculture and diamond industries. In 2008, PBEL, a joint venture of two Israeli real estate firms and an Indian developer, announced an investment of $1 billion in real estate projects in India. The plan is to build 10,000,000 square feet (930,000 m2) of world-class residential and business space in three cities.[36] A formal free trade agreement was on progress as of 2010 for a two way agreement that would give Indian industries access to the Israeli high technology sector, and Israel access to Indian domestic market.[37] This is a step ahead of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) that a Joint Study Group (JSG) set up by the two countries had recommended to improve trade ties. It is estimated that bilateral trade would exceed $12 billion in 5 years with this trade agreement. The current areas that are to be given focus are software, communication, homeland security, science and medicine, bio and agro-technologies, water.[38][39]

Science and technology collaboration

India is building closer ties with Israel in the areas of nanotechnology, information technology, water technology and biotechnology. [40] In 1998, the Indo-Israel Joint Symposium on Human Genome was held in Jerusalem. Subsequently, as a follow up to the symposium, a call for joint research proposals on Human Genome was issued in July 1999 for which 11 proposals were received. Out of these, 6 research projects have been recommended for implementation.[41] Another Indo-Israel status seminar on human Genome Research was organized in India on December 2000.[42] In 1999-2000, Israel and India were involved in 22 joint research projects.[43] Scientists from both countries visited the laboratories of their collaborators and short term exchange visits were organized.[41][44] The Indo-Israel Joint Committee of scientists was constituted with the DST (Department of Science and Technology)and India as Co-chairmen with representatives from various research organizations in India and the Ministry of Information Technology as members. The 4th Meeting of the joint committee was held in the first week of November 1999 in Jerusalem, attended by a 3 member Indian delegation.[41]

In 2003, Israel's Minister for Science and Technology said that Israel was interested in strengthening science and technology ties with India considering that the latter had a rich base of scientists and technologists and the two countries could benefit by synergising their activities.[44] In 2003, the two countries proposed to double the investment under the ongoing science and technology collaboration to $1 million with $0.5 million from each country in the next biennial period starting October 2004.[44]

In 2004, the Ministry of Science and Technology in India signed an MoU with Israel for jointly funding industrial R&D projects.[45]

In an agreement signed on May 30, 2005, India and Israel pledged to set up a fund to encourage investment and joint industrial ventures. According to the Press Trust of India, there are five priority areas for enhanced collaboration: nanotechnology, biotechnology, water management, alternative energy, and space and aeronautics. India and Israel will each start by contributing US$1 million to provide risk-free grants to entrepreneurs in the two countries.[46] India purchased 50 Israeli drones for $220 million in 2005.[47] India was considering buying the newer Harop drone.[48] India is also in the process of obtaining missile-firing Hermes 450s.

In 2008, Israel and India finalised a three-year plan to introduce crops such as olives, dates and grapes to be introduced and cultivated in the states of Rajasthan and Maharashtra, to create an agricultural market that meets Western demand for products like olive oil. In addition to the hope that this plan would boost yield and stave off famine, officials presented the project as symbolic.[49]

Space collaboration

Israel's Minister for Science and Technology has expressed interest in collaborating with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) towards utilizing satellites for better management of land and other resources. Israel has also expressed interest in participating in ISRO's Chandrayaan mission of sending an unmanned craft to the moon.[44] A Memorandum of Understanding, signed by ISRO and Israel's space agency, provides for cooperation in multiple areas of space science and technology[50]

Israel's TecSAR radar satellite was launched by India on 22 January 2008.[51][52] The Indian PSLV launch-vehicle was chosen instead of its own home grown Shavit rocket.[53] This was due to the cost of the PSLV, $15 million compared to the Shavit at $20 million.[54] Tecsar is an Israeli spy satellite, primarily meant to monitor Iran's military activities.[55]

In March 2009, India launched the RISAT-2 satellite which is based on the technology employed in Israel's TecSAR. The satellite has the capability to take high resolution images at night and can carry out reconnaissance operations even through a dense cloud cover. Most Indian satellites currently in operation lack these capabilities. The decision to purchase the satellite was taken in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks.[56] The 300 kilogram RISAT-2 was successfully launched by India's PSLV rocket in April 2009.[57]

A spokesman of the Indian Space Research Organization said that RISAT-2 is an Indian satellite built with assistance from Israel.[58] India is also developing its own, indigenous version of RISAT-2, capable of taking images through clouds and at night.[59] It was launched in late 2009.[60]

Tourism

Around 35000 Israelis, mostly youth, after finishing their military service, visit India annually.[61] The number of tourists from India visiting Israel touched 20000 in the year 2007.[61]

Diplomatic visits

Israeli and Indian flags in New Delhi during Ariel Sharon's visit, September 2003

In 2003 Ariel Sharon was the first Israeli Prime Minister to visit India. He was welcomed by the center-right wing Bharatiya Janata Party led National Democratic Alliance coalition government of India.[62] Several newspapers expressed positive views on his visit, and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee voiced confidence that Sharon's visit would pave the way for further consolidating bilateral ties.[63] Sharon's visit was condemned by some, especially in leftist[64] and Muslim circles.[65] Hundreds of supporters of India's various pro-Islamic and communist parties rallied in New Delhi. Nearly 100 Muslims were arrested.[65] Students of the Aligarh Muslim University joined the protests and demanded that India sever all ties with Israel and increase ties with Palestine.[66] The Hindi-language daily Navbharat Times condemned the protests and called him an important friend of India." The Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) condemned the protest against Sharon.[67][68] RSS spokesperson Ram Madhav said: The entire world acknowledges that Israel has effectively and ruthlessly countered terror in the Middle East. Since India and Israel are both fighting a war against terrorism, therefore, we should learn a lesson or two from them. We need to have close cooperation with them in this field.[67][68] The RSS newspaper Panchjanya described the visit of Ariel Sharon as an opportunity for India to get closer to Israel and fight terrorism jointly.[67][68] Sharon expressed satisfaction over his talks with Indian leaders. Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee also expressed satisfaction, saying that the visit would increase ties between India and Israel.[69] Sharon invited Vajpayee to visit Israel.[70] Sharon said that Israelis "regard India to be one of the most important countries in the world," and Vajpayee was sure that Sharon's visit would bring the two states closer together. Sharon said that terrorism was a menace that required an international response.[65]

Delegations and diplomatic visits to Israel

In August 2007, a delegation of the All India Organisation of Imams and Mosques led by Maulana Jamil Ilyas visited Israel. The Israel visit follows a trip to India earlier this year by Jewish rabbis to Delhi for an inter-faith meeting. The meet led to a joint statement.[71] Maulana Ilyas said

We are coming with the message of peace and goodwill from Indian Muslims who believe in the Indian tradition of resolving issues through dialogue and peaceful means," said Ilyasi, who is the leader of 500,000 imams across India. Our visit to Israel will be historical in terms of developing a dialogue between Judaism and Islam in the Indian subcontinent, where more than 40 percent of the world's Muslim population lives. Interaction with both Palestinian and Jewish sisters and brothers and their religious leadership will lay a solid foundation for future engagement.[71]

Ilyasi claimed Israel treats Muslims better than India does: "I was pleasantly surprised to know that the Sharia (Islamic law) is being supported by the Israeli government; whereas, in India, only local Muslims implement it. That is unique." Ilyasi was apparently referring to the existence of government-sanctioned Islamic courts in the Israeli justice system, which handle marriage, divorce and conversion issues for Muslim Israelis. Similar religious courts exist for Jews and Christians.[72] The visit was organised by the American Jewish Council. The visit was touted as a dialogue of democracies.[73]

In 2000 Jaswant Singh became the first Indian foreign minister to visit Israel.[74] Following the visit, the two countries set up a joint anti-terror commission. The foreign ministers of the two countries said intensified cooperation would range from counter terrorism to information technology.[75][76]

In early 2006 Indian government ministers Sharad Pawar, Kapil Sibal and Kamal Nath visited Israel.[77] Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has also visited Israel.[78]

India's commerce minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, visited Israel in February 2010 to discuss a free-trade agreement. He met with Israeli president Shimon Peres; Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer, and representatives of Israel's water technology and high-tech industries.[79]

Jewish-Hindu interfaith summit

The world's first Jewish-Hindu interfaith leadership summit, spearheaded by Hindu organizations in India and Jewish organizations in Israel, as well as the American Jewish Committee, was held in New Delhi on February 2007. The chief Rabbi of Israel, Yona Metzger, was actively involved in the dialogue, together with Swami Dayanand Saraswati. They stated that "The Jewish and Hindu communities are committed to the ancient traditions of Judaism and Hindu dharma respectively, and have both, in their own ways, gone through the painful experiences of persecution, oppression and destruction."[80] Mertzger quoted:

"For thousands of years we have marched on parallel causes and have now built bridges of cooperation between the two religions. Jews have lived in India for over 2000 years and have never been discriminated against. This is something unparalleled in human history".[81]

A second Hindu-Jewish summit took place in Jerusalem in February 2008. There, the Jewish delegation accepted that true Hindus accept One Supreme Being and do not think that the representations used in worship are idols.[82]

In June 2009, another Hindu-Jewish interfaith meet was held in New York and Washington. The International Hindu-Jewish Leadership Dialogue was hosted by the American Jewish Committee, the Hindu American Foundation, and the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha and was sponsored by the World Council of Religious Leaders. It began with a lunch and presentations amid saffron-robed swamis, dark-suited rabbis, and Hindu lay leaders wearing lapel pins combining the Israeli, Indian, and American flags.[83]

Bnei Menashe controversy

Main article: Bnei Menashe

The Bnei Menashe ("Children of Menasseh", Hebrew בני מנשה) are a group of more than 8,000 people from India's remote North-Eastern border states of Manipur and Mizoram who claim descent from one of the Lost Tribes of Israel. On March 31, 2005 Sephardi Rabbi Shlomo Amar, one of Israel's two chief rabbis, accepted the Bnei Menashe's claim because of their exemplary devotion to Judaism. His decision was significant because it paved the way for all of the Bnei Menashe to enter Israel under Israel's Law of Return. In the past two decades, some 1,300 Bnei Menashe have moved to Israel. Indian Jews including the Bnei Menashe have never suffered anti-Semitism in India, but they regard Israel as their homeland and decided to emigrate "on Zionist considerations."[9] On November 9, 2005, the Israeli government halted all conversions of the Bnei Menashe in India, saying it was straining relations between the two countries. Indian officials reportedly expressed concern about the conversions and indicated mass conversions are considered illegal in India. The decision led to criticism from supporters of the Bnei Menashe who say Israeli officials failed to explain to the Indian government that the rabbis were not proselytising, but rather formalizing the conversions of Bnei Menashe who had already accepted Judaism [10]. In July 2006 Israeli Immigration Absorption Minister Zeev Boim said that the 218 Bnei Menashe who were formally converted in 2005 by the Chief Rabbinate "would be allowed to come here, but first the government must decide what its policy will be towards those who have yet to (formally) convert." [84]

See also

References

  1. ^ c.f. C. Jaffrelot, Inde-Israel, le nouvel élément clé de l'axe du bien ? Critique Internationale, n°21, October 2003.
  2. ^ c.f. C. Jaffrelot, op.cit.
  3. ^ c.f. A Financial Times article.
  4. ^ Indo-Israeli Ties: The Post-Arafat Shift- Power and Interest News Report
  5. ^ name="talk">Talk to Palestine, Israel tells India Rediff - February 09, 2006
  6. ^ From India with love
  7. ^ World Snap - Today's News of India
  8. ^ Three years in America, 1859-1862(p.59,p.60)By Israel Joseph Benjamin
  9. ^ Roots of Dalit history, Christianity, theology, and spirituality(p.28), James Massey, I.S.P.C.K.
  10. ^ a b (Nathan Katz and Ellen S. Goldberg) THE LAST JEWS IN INDIA AND BURMA
  11. ^ a b Who are the Jews of India? - The S. Mark Taper Foundation imprint in Jewish studies. University of California Press. 2000. p. 26. ISBN 9780520213234.; "When the Portuguese arrived in 1498, they brought a spirit of intolerance utterly alien to India. They soon established an Office of Inquisition at Goa, and at their hands Indian Jews experienced the only instance of anti-Semitism ever to occur in Indian soil."
  12. ^ Daus, Ronald (1983). Die Erfindung des Kolonialismus. Wuppertal/Germany: Peter Hammer Verlag. ISBN 3-87294-202-6. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  13. ^ http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/myths/mf3.html#a
  14. ^ http://www.southasiaanalysis.org/%5Cpapers2%5Cpaper131.html
  15. ^ Moshe Dayan and India
  16. ^ India-Israel Partnership
  17. ^ a b INDIA – ISRAEL RELATIONS: THE IMPERATIVES FOR ENHANCED STRATEGIC COOPERATION - Subhash Kapila - South Asia Analysis Group
  18. ^ Hindu pro-Zionism
  19. ^ Savarkar, Vinayak. "GLAD TO NOTE THAT INDEPENDENT JEWISH STATE IS ESTABLISHED". Historic statements - Veer Savarkar. www.docstoc.com. Retrieved 2010-02-23. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  20. ^ IndiaTimes - Israel a Reliable Partner: Sushma Swaraj
  21. ^ http://www.jcpa.org/jl/jl101.htm
  22. ^ a b India and Israel Forge a Solid Strategic Alliance by Martin Sherman,The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs
  23. ^ [1]
  24. ^ a b c The Barak Missile Deal Scandal involving graft for an unnecessary missile system would hamper relations in 2006.Israel-India Military and Civil Trade Ties Skyrocket,The Jewish Institute for National security Affairs
  25. ^ [2]
  26. ^ India-Israel Military Ties Continue to Grow,The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs
  27. ^ a b RAW and MOSSAD, the Secret Link,rediff.com
  28. ^ The Jerusalem Post, 15th Feb 2009
  29. ^ "IDF official announcement".
  30. ^ "JPOST article".
  31. ^ "HAARETZ article".
  32. ^ "Arutz Sheva article".
  33. ^ Rafael in $1b Indian anti-tank missile deal - Globes(Israel's Business Arena)
  34. ^ Defence Now India, News
  35. ^ "India, Israel vow to enhance cooperation in combating terror". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 19 February 2010.
  36. ^ Top Israeli firms enter India's realty market
  37. ^ India Israel Free Trade
  38. ^ Israel trade negotiations
  39. ^ Israel pushes for free trade with India
  40. ^ Israel, India to hold free-trade talks
  41. ^ a b c Annual Report 1999-2000,Department of Science and Technology, India
  42. ^ Annual Report 2000-2001,Department of Science and Technology, India
  43. ^ Annual Report 2001 - 2002,Department of Science and Technology, India
  44. ^ a b c d Israel plans thrust on science and technology collaboration, The Times of India
  45. ^ Annual Report 2004-2005,Department of Science and Technology, India
  46. ^ India forms science ties with Canada, Israel, Vietnam,scidev.net
  47. ^ India Israeli Drones
  48. ^ Israel negotiating Harop drone with India
  49. ^ Blakely, Rhys (2008-05-22). "A million olive trees to make Indian desert bloom for farmers". London: The Times. Retrieved 2009-03-12. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  50. ^ 2003 Good Year for India; Israel Shows Interest in Mission to the Moon,Space Age Publishing
  51. ^ [3]India Launches Israeli Radar Satellite
  52. ^ [4]India Launches Israeli Spy Satellite
  53. ^ [5],Israel Chooses India to Launch Its Satellites
  54. ^ Yiftah Shapir: Launch Of Israel's TecSAR Satellite
  55. ^ BBC NEWS - India launches Israeli Spy Sattelite
  56. ^ Report: India bought advanced spy satellite from Israel
  57. ^ Spy satellite RISAT takes off from Sriharikota
  58. ^ India to launch Israel-backed satellite
  59. ^ ISRO gearing up to put Israeli satellite in orbit
  60. ^ Tango with Israel - FRONTLINE (from the publishers of THE HINDU)
  61. ^ a b India-Israel Bilateral Relations : Culture and Tourism
  62. ^ Ariel Sharon's India visit,rediff.com
  63. ^ Ariel Sharon arrives in India,Rediff.com
  64. ^ Left wants 'killer' Sharon to go home,Rediff.com
  65. ^ a b c India and Israel vow to fight terrorism,BBC
  66. ^ AMU students protest against Sharon's visit
  67. ^ a b c RSS slams Left for opposing Sharon's visit
  68. ^ a b c Google Cache of above
  69. ^ Sharon's visit will consolidate ties PM,rediff.com
  70. ^ Sharon invites Vajpayee to Israel,rediff.com
  71. ^ a b http://www.indianmuslims.info/news/2007/aug/15/american_jewish_group_takes_indian_muslims_israel.html
  72. ^ http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/123448
  73. ^ http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/dialogue-democracy-indian-muslims-visit-israel
  74. ^ Peres Visit Highlights Growing Ties Between Israel and New Ally India,United Jewish Communities
  75. ^ India/Israel,fas.org
  76. ^ Jaswant to visit Israel to boost bilateral ties,The Daily Excelsior
  77. ^ Talk to Palestine, Israel tells India Rediff - February 09, 2006
  78. ^ http://www.narendramodi.in/pages/119
  79. ^ India, Israel to hold free-trade talks
  80. ^ World's Jewish and Hindu Leaders Gather in New Delhi, wfn.org
  81. ^ RELIGIOUS LEADERS WANT TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION, NOT PART OF THE PROBLEM, The Daily Star (Egypt)
  82. ^ NJ Jewish News
  83. ^ NJ Jewish News
  84. ^ [6]
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