Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel last week was an historic moment for India-Israel relations. It marked 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and cemented the relationship between Modi and his ‘good friend’ Benjamin Netanyahu. To celebrate the visit, Lord Polak and I hosted a lunch in the House of Lords with the Indian High Commissioner (H.E. Y.K Sinha) and the Israeli Ambassador (H.E. Mark Regev) to the United Kingdom.
We came together to underpin three elements that are so often overlooked. Israel, India and Britain are three countries who are committed to the values of democracy, freedom, and enterprise. These are values that are to be cherished and maintained, and we should never take them for granted.
The second reason was that, although Britain was not part of the visit, we stand on the international stage alongside both Israel and India as their allies and partners. Britain is very fortunate to have strong relations with both of those great countries, and their success is our success.
The third reason is that, here in Britain, the British Indian community and the Jewish community have a tremendous amount in common. We British Indians have so often looked to the Jewish community for inspiration; the way you have settled, integrated and become successful as immigrants in this country provides the model that we wish to emulate.
We are friends, neighbours, business-partners and confidants. The blossoming of India-Israel relations in recent years simply mirrors a process that started in Britain in the 1970s and continues to this day.
At a time when so much focus is put on immigration, integration and identity; it is worth pausing and considering the tremendous strides our communities have taken. And we should celebrate what we have achieved together and the obstacles we have all overcome.
Last week’s lunch was only a small representation of a more global phenomenon; but representatives of three nations sat together in the Mother of All Parliaments as we enjoyed each other’s company and spoke of other ways we can collaborate together.
H.E. Y.K Sinha spoke of his hope for a ‘long and happy association’ with Israel and how, under the current Government, huge strides had been made towards that goal. In turn, H.E. Mark Regev spoke of the strong relationship in defence and technology the two countries share, as well as the future possibilities for trade and investment.
We were marking Modi’s visit, celebrating the success of the three nations and their Diaspora’s in the UK, but – most importantly - we were also planning our shared future. Let us hope that in another twenty five years’ time our three countries have inspired others to choose democracy, prosperity and collaboration.
