When Israel came under attack from militant group Hamas in early October, India backed Israel fully.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a supportive statement after the attacks and sections of the Indian public have been vocal in their support for Israel.
This reflects the strong relationship India and Israel have managed to build over the last three decades. We almost take it for granted. BUT, it might interest you to know that India
had a hostile policy towards Israel for decades. It voted
against Israel joining the UN in 1949, refused to fully normalise diplomatic ties till 1992 and even excluded Israel from the 1982 Asian Games.
So how did India and Israel go from foes to friends?
HT's Shashank Mattoo delves into the history of India relationship with Israel. Mattoo unpacks why India adopted a hostile policy to Israel for decades and why this policy changed.