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Ten Years of Indo-Israel Diplomatic Relations

A Perspective

By Dov Segev-Steinberg

The year 2002 marks the completion of 10 yeas relations between India and Israel 10 years in which the relations between the two countries have not only gone from strength to strength, but have also evolved into a binding friendship.

India and Israel both achieved independence one year apart and have grown together. Both democracies - one a vast and another a minuscule one, both multicultural and multi-dimensional - both striving for peace with their neighbours.

Steeped in history, both countries have a rich cultural and religious heritage with cosmopolitan societies. A strong family support system and warmth of the people is another facet that is common in both societies. The unique texture of both societies, which combine people from different religious, different ethnical backgrounds, and different cultures, makes it possible for both countries to weave a cultural and social fabric which will bind them together and will stand the rest of time. It was therefore in the fitness of things that the peoples of the two nations had a common bond, ever since their inception. Initially, de Jure recognition was accorded to the State of Israel, by the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. Formal diplomatic relations between the two countries were established 10 years ago in January 1992. 1992. However, mutual relations based on mutual admiration and appreciation have always been there.

Even though, there were no formal diplomatic relations, the Consulate I Mumbai has been operating since 1953. It was only in January 1992 that full and formal diplomatic relations between India and Israel were established. Till then the only place where the Israeli flag was flying in India was the Consulate of Israel I Mumbai. Since then, the Consulate has become a Consulate General, and it has moved to a new location. Visas were being issued and people to people contact was very much there. With mutual admiration and friendship on both sides, the Consulate in Mumbai was the link between the two countries and two peoples. During that time, the States of Kerala and Maharashtra were under the jurisdiction of the Consulate, mainly due to the large Jewish population in these two States. The three groups of Jews in India are the Baghdadi, Bene Israeli and Cochini. They have strong ties and feelings for Israel, While at the same time retaining their love for India, where they never faced persecution and which has served them well.

The anticipation and pulsating excitement that preceded the announcement of formal relations, as narrated by someone who was there at that time, cannot be imagined. With the establishment of formal relations ten years ago, in January 1992, the two countries have made up for lost time and without looking back, have surged forward in every sphere of activity. Now after diplomatic relations have been established, the Consulate General has jurisdiction over Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat, Goa, Tamilnadu and of course Maharashtra. During official visits to these places I have encountered nothing but whole-hearted co-operation and friendship and enthusiasm towards joint efforts.

Ever since I arrived on the shores of Mumbai in August 1999, a day after the Indian Independence Day, I have felt so much at home. The vibrancy of the city, like that of Tel Aviv ( my native city in Israel) and the warm and friendly nature of the people make it impossible not to like it. As Consul General of my country, based in Mumbai - the cultural and trade capital of India, it is my pleasant duty to interact with people from all walks of life, not only at the political, cultural, business and academic levels, but most importantly at the people-to-people level, which gives an insight into the true character of the country.

My travels throughout the length and breadth of the country both on business and holiday have given me an insight into the multi-faceted character of the people and the places. The vastness of the country is overwhelming, as is the cultural and religious diversity.

With the advent of the direct and regular airlink from Mumbai, travel to Israel has become easier. It has also resulted in more two-way traffic by way of tourism, trade, cultural exchanges, exchange of students etc. More and more Israelis choose India as their tourist destination, especially youngsters just out of the army, who find the spirituality of the country soothing and calming. Around 70,000 Israeli tourists visit India annually. On the other hand, there are quite a Large number of Indians travelling to Israel as well. There are the Christian pilgrims, the businessmen, the diamond merchants and member of the Jewish community, 90 percent of whom have family there, who have migrated over the years, and of course the regular tourists. About 25, 000 Indians visit Israel annually.

The Consulate has also been very active in the information field. Ever since its inception, it has published a news magazine earlier knows as 'News from Israel' and later changed to Israel Today'. As the name suggests, news about Israel is being sent out to 25,000 people, institutions, and libraries all over the country every fortnight. There is a lot of interest in the publication as can be seen from the regular mail we receive regarding it. I am also proud to announce that the Consulate General in Mumbai has recently gone online with its website: http;// mumbai.mfa.gov.il And the above-mentioned magazine can now be read in the net.

So, much has been achieved in these 10 years, but there is no room for complacency. The sky is the limit and as we as strive towards peace in the region and a peaceful world, we hope to old the hand of friendship extended to us by India.

Shalon and Namaste !

Note: The Author is Consul General of Israel, Mumbai