India-Israel

Context:

· India-Israel agree to further enhance cooperation in the agricultural sector

· Israeli ambassador to India calls on Union Agriculture Minister

· 75 villages are being taken up to convert into ‘Villages of Excellence’ to commemorate the 75th year of India’s independence

· Israel ambassador proposes the certification of Centers of Excellence to further enhance the standards and quality of services

Diplomatic relations between Israel and India were fully established in 1992 despite attaining Independence from the British Empire within a year apart.
Cold war politics had a lot to do with the initial frosty relations between India and Israel.
India was part of the Non-Aligned movement while keeping a close relation with the Soviet-bloc and by proximity the Arab world., while Israel was an ally of the United States and NATO.
When the Cold Warbegan to thaw in the 1980s, so two did the relations between the two nations beginning with a flurry of bilateral activity
This was demonstrated when Israel provided intelligence during the Kargil conflict in 1999 and provided disaster relief during 2001 Bhuj earthquake
With the establishment of full diplomatic ties, both countries have benefited immensely. India is one of Israels premier trading partners.
Trade and cooperation between the country now center on security-related deals and aid in areas as agriculture and water desalination

The two nations in 2008 started an agrcultural fund worth $50 million that focused on dairy, farming technology and micro-irrigation.
This constituted the Indo-Israel Agricultural Project.
By March 2014, 10 centres of excellence operated throughout India offering free training sessions for farmers on efficient agricultural techniques using Israeli technological expertise.
Vertical farming, drip irrigation and soil solarization are some of what is taught at the centres.
Farming at these centres focuses on mangoes, tomatoes, pomegranates, and citrus fruits.

Source: THE HINDU.