Paper short abstract:

Indo-Israeli relations have expanded and transcended the traditional notions of 'strategic ties' and have expanded into areas which would provide long-term stability and sustenance to the bilateral ties.

Paper long abstract:

More than two decades after normalization, Israel has emerged as an important player in India's foreign policy calculations and is part of its emerging look-East policy. The relations have weathered political changes in India as well as periodic regional upheavals in the Middle East. Limited political exchanges during the decade-long UPA rule in India were accompanied by greater maturity and professionalism on both sides. Within its structural limitations, the military-security cooperation plays a pivotal role in the bilateral relations. There are signs that towards expanding its relations, both countries are redefining its priorities through economic engagements and Israel is partaking in the priorities of the Indian government and its infrastructure development. Besides boosting economic ties, this strategy is also aimed at expanding and consolidating its support base in India beyond the urban elites. Through its active economic engagement with the state governments, Israel is expanding the conventional understanding of 'strategic' cooperation.