5.1. Background

♤ India formally recognised Israel on September 17, 1950. Soon thereafter, the Jewish Agency established an immigration office in Bombay. This was later converted into a Trade Office and subsequently into a Consulate. Embassies were opened in 1992 when full diplomatic relations were established.

♤ Since the upgradation of relations in 1992, defence and agriculture have been the main pillars of bilateral engagement. In recent years, ties have expanded to areas such as S&T, education and security.

♤ Two Israeli Presidents have visited India - Ezer Weizmann in 1996 and Reuven Rivlin in 2016. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon visited India in 2003.

♤ From India, President Pranab Mukherjee visited Israel in October 2015.