Modi wishes for stronger India-Israel ties as he responds to Netanyahu’s Diwali greetings

In his X post, Modi wrote: "Thank you, my dear friend, for your warm Diwali greetings. I also extend my heartiest wishes on your birthday. Wishing you good health and success. May India-Israel Strategic Partnership continue to flourish in the years to come."

Earlier, Benjamin Netanyahu had greeted Indians on Diwali from his official handle.

In his message, Netanyahu said: "Wishing my friend @narendramodi & the people of India a very Happy #Diwali! May the Festival of Lights bring hope, peace & prosperity to your great nation. Israel & India stand together. Partners in innovation, friendship, defence and a brighter future."

Several world leaders, including Donald Trump, have greeted Hindu community members on Diwali.

India and Israel are strategic partners.

The bilateral political ties are warm and forward-looking. India announced its recognition of Israel on September 17, 1950.

Soon after, the Jewish Agency established an immigration office in Bombay (Mumbai), which was later converted into a Trade Office and, subsequently, a Consulate.

Regular embassies opened in 1992 when full diplomatic relations were established between the two countries.

In 2022-23, the two countries jointly celebrated 30 years of the elevation of bilateral ties to full diplomatic.

The civilizational relations between the countries date back more than two millennia. India has welcomed Jews for several centuries, and their contribution, in turn, has enriched Indian culture.

India is known in Israel as an ancient nation with strong cultural traditions and as an attractive tourist destination.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, India-Israel bilateral trade and economic ties have progressed rapidly.

From around USD 200 million in 1992 (comprising primarily of diamonds), merchandise trade diversified and reached around USD 10.77 billion (excluding defence) in FY 2022-23, with Indian exports at around USD 8.45 billion.

In FY 2023-24 (April-March), the bilateral trade was USD 6.53 billion (excluding defense) with India's exports at USD 4.52 billion and Israel's exports at USD 2.0 billion.

India is Israel’s second-largest trading partner in Asia.

Though the bilateral merchandise trade is dominated mainly by diamonds, petroleum products, and chemicals, recent years have witnessed an increase in trade in areas such as electronic machinery and high-tech products, communications systems, medical equipment, etc.