1. India-Israel Strategic Partnership: Prime Minister’s Address to the Knesset

Key Highlights of the Visit • Zero Tolerance for Terrorism: Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s \'uncompromising policy of zero tolerance\' for terrorism, explicitly condemning the October 7 Hamas attacks as barbaric and drawing parallels to India’s experience with the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. • Support for Peace Initiatives: India formally endorsed the Gaza Peace Initiative (UNSC-backed), emphasizing it as a pathway to a \'just and durable peace\' that must address the Palestinian issue alongside Israeli security. • Shift to De-hyphenation: The visit underscores India’s \'de-hyphenation\' policy—maintaining an independent, robust strategic partnership with Israel while simultaneously advocating for a sovereign Palestinian state through diplomatic channels. • Sectoral Cooperation: Bilateral talks focused on the \'3 Pillars\' of cooperation: Water Management (desalination and drip irrigation), Agriculture (Centers of Excellence), and Talent Partnership (mobility of skilled professionals). • Strategic Convergence: Both nations highlighted their roles as vibrant democracies and technological hubs, seeking to align their defense and innovation ecosystems under the \'India-Israel Vision 2.0.\' • Global Positioning: The address signals India\'s intent to act as a stabilizing power in West Asia, balancing its historical ties with the Arab world against its modern strategic requirements with Israel. Important Terms & Definitions • Knesset: The unicameral national legislature of Israel; the supreme power of the state. • De-hyphenation: A diplomatic strategy where India deals with Israel and Palestine as two separate, independent relationships, rather than viewing them through the prism of each other. • Gaza Peace Initiative: A framework endorsed by the UN Security Council aimed at a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the reconstruction of Gaza. Constitutional and Legal Context • Article 51 (Directive Principles): Directs the State to promote international peace and security, maintain just and honorable relations between nations, and foster respect for international law. • Extradition Treaty (1993): A foundational legal framework between India and Israel to combat transnational crime and terrorism. • Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA): India’s primary counter-terrorism law, which aligns with the Prime Minister\'s stance on \'Zero Tolerance\' expressed at the Knesset. Strategic Significance 1. Defense & Technology: Israel is one of India\'s top four arms suppliers. The relationship has evolved from a buyer-seller model to \'Make in India\' collaborations (e.g., Barak-8 Missiles). 2. Food & Water Security: Given India’s climatic challenges, Israeli expertise in semi-arid farming and water recycling is critical for India\'s sustainable development goals. 3. I2U2 Grouping: Part of the \'West Asian Quad\' (India, Israel, USA, UAE), which focuses on joint investments in water, energy, transportation, and space. Conclusion India’s stance at the Knesset reflects a sophisticated balancing act. By condemning terrorism while supporting a UN-backed peace process for Palestine, New Delhi reinforces its image as a responsible global actor. The transition from a \'transnational relationship\' to a \'strategic partnership\' signals that India views Israel not just as a defense supplier, but as a critical ally in long-term technological and internal security stability. UPSC Relevance • GS Paper II: International Relations (Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests). • GS Paper III: Internal Security (Linkages between development and spread of extremism; Role of external state and non-state actors). • Prelims: Locations in West Asia, UN Security Council Resolutions, and bilateral defense exercises (e.g., Blue Flag).