Historical interaction between Jewish communities and the Indian subcontinent represents one of the earliest examples of long-term cultural coexistence between different civilisations. Jewish traders and migrants reached the western coast of India through Indian Ocean maritime trade networks and gradually established stable communities in regions such as Kerala and the Konkan coast. Communities including the Bene Israel, Cochin Jews, and later the Baghdadi Jews preserved their religious traditions while adapting to the cultural and social environment of Indian society. This article examines the historical foundations of India–Israel relations by analysing maritime trade, diaspora formation, religious pluralism, and cultural diplomacy. Using qualitative historical analysis and secondary scholarly sources, the study explores how Jewish diaspora communities interacted with Indian society over several centuries. The analysis shows that the experience of cultural coexistence and religious tolerance in India shaped positive historical memory within Jewish communities and later influenced cultural diplomacy between India and Israel. The study argues that these civilisational connections created a cultural foundation that complements contemporary political and strategic cooperation between the two countries. Understanding these historical interactions helps explain the broader social context of India–Israel relations and highlights the importance of diaspora networks and cultural heritage in shaping international relationships.
India–Israel relations; Jewish diaspora in India; cultural diplomacy; Indian Ocean trade; civilisational interaction; religious pluralism.
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