India-Israel Defence Engagement: Land Forces' Cooperation

摘要

The Israeli military has been tested through the entire range of conflict from the conventional to the asymmetric since its inception in May 1948 to the present day. In the process, it has become one of the most powerful military forces in West Asia, with a reputation to match. Not many are aware that Indian Jews, notably the Bene Israelis, have served with distinction under Indian chieftains as well as the East India Company a few hundred years ago.~1 This military tradition ensured that despite rapidly dwindling numbers post-independence, some Indian Jews continued to serve the Indian Army and contribute towards its higher military leadership.~2 Similarly, the sacrifices of Indian soldiers in the battlefields of Palestine in both world wars are immortalised in the cemeteries at Haifa, Jerusalem, Ramleh and Khayat in modern-day Israel.~3 On a visit to that country, one is likely to come across Israeli soldiers of Indian origin, indistinguishable from their comrades in arms. Being cognisant of these historical and contemporary linkages pertaining to military tradition and practice is essential as we trace the trajectory of cooperation between the land forces of India and Israel over the past quarter century.