* Israel Visit: One Nation, Many Innovations – and an Unbreakable Bond with India
* Israel: A country where necessity births innovation – a true source of inspiration for India
– Puran Dawar, Thinker & Analyst
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit a nation with a trade and industry delegation—a nation whose very name evokes energy, positivity, and an inspiring atmosphere. Since student life, we have been hearing stories of Israel’s courage and innovation. Although the country was founded a year after India, in 1948, it rose from the ashes of World War II, where the Jewish community suffered unimaginable persecution under Hitler. With support from Britain, Israel was established in the Middle East, surrounded by 14 Arab nations. Jews from across the world migrated there, including nearly 85,000 people of Indian origin.
A small nation with limited resources: 60% desert land, water scarcity with just one major lake, and the daunting challenge of investing heavily in research and innovation—especially in water and agriculture. Yet, as the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention. Today, Israel not only stands firmly on its own feet but also guides the world in multiple sectors.
Be it water, agriculture, or healthcare—every life matters in a small nation. In medical sciences, Israel has emerged as a global leader, not only strengthening its own healthcare system but shaping it into a future growth engine of the economy. Whether it is internal security, external security, cyber security, or AI—Israel is the birthplace of cutting-edge innovation. In defence, the entire world stands amazed.
A nation of just 12 million people, the only Jewish nation on earth, surrounded by hostile neighbours—yet Israel invests an impressive 6% of its GDP in research. Despite regional tensions, Israel is essentially a peace-loving country. It wishes for harmony with all—including Palestinians. A large portion of its population is Arab. Like Sanatan Dharma, Judaism also believes in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.
But the root of conflict lies in the interpretation by certain Islamic nations, some of whom believe that everyone outside their religion is a ‘kafir’ and has no right to live. Iran, which doesn’t even share a border with Israel, has openly declared that Jews have no right to exist and eliminating Israel is its stated objective.
Under the leadership of India’s Commerce & Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, the mission began with a powerful inaugural session. Israel’s Minister of Economy Nir Barkat reaffirmed the commitment to deeper cooperation. Both nations are moving steadily toward a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The B2B meetings and the CEO Forum included India’s major business leaders—representatives from Amul, Asian Paints, ONGC, leading medical experts, innovation investors, food giants like Kohinoor Rice and Daawat Rice, metro rail infrastructure company AFCONS, and renowned Indian diamond merchants. Among these, I was honored to participate as a representative of India’s MSME backbone—footwear and leather goods, which plays a vital role in employment generation.
In Israel, a gala dinner being completely vegetarian—and even presenting a 5-course gourmet vegetarian meal—was surprising and delightful. The event featured Odissi dance performances, and both ministers—Shri Piyush Goyal (accompanied by his wife Seema Goyal) and Israel’s Minister Nir Barkat (with his wife)—personally interacted with each participant, leaving a lasting impression with their warmth.
A visit to the Shimon Peres Innovation Center, named after the former Prime Minister of Israel, was deeply inspiring. The center showcases groundbreaking innovations while honoring the extraordinary legacy of Shimon Peres, preserving his memories with profound love and respect.
We also visited Sheba Hospital—the largest medical facility in the Middle East—along with Check Point, a global leader in cyber security, and several cutting-edge agricultural technology setups.
It was fascinating to see how Israel transformed agriculture through modern technology, converting it into an industry and exporting not only produce but also agricultural machinery and technology. Imagine—a desert nation that once struggled to meet its own food needs is now a major exporter of agricultural products and agri-tech solutions.
In conclusion, regardless of size, every nation offers lessons. Israel’s innovation ecosystem is a powerful inspiration for India. Our goal is not merely to become the third or fourth largest economy—but to build a fully developed India and the world’s leading economy.
Special thanks to FICCI, CII, and ASSOCHAM for organizing such an impactful delegation visit.
