India-Israel: ‘Villages of Excellence’

January 31, 2022

On January 28, 2022, central government announced its decision to convert around 150 villages into ‘Villages of Excellence’ across 12 States.

Key Facts

These villages will be converted into Villages of Excellence, with technical assistance from Israel government.
Government of Israel has already established 29 Centre of Excellence (CoEs) across 12 States.
Already established CoEs are producing more than 25 million vegetable plants and more than 3,87,000 quality fruit plants.
These CoEs can give training to more than 1.2 lakh farmers per year.

Villages of Excellence

150 villages which are located around CoEs will be converted into ‘Villages of Excellence. Out of these, 75 villages will be converted in first year to commemorate 75th year of India’s independence, in collaboration with Israeli government.

India-Israel Relation

India had recognized the Jewish State of Israel in 1950. But the diplomatic relations between both were established in 1992. Since then, there has been an upswing in the relations in light of common concerns regarding global terrorism and religious extremism. Both the countries have strengthened their cooperation in intelligence sharing and counter-insurgency operations. India has become a major buyer of armaments from Israel. Countries are also cooperating in field of science and technology, specifically in areas like dryland farming.

Defence Collaborations

India has brought radar and surveillance equipment for military application from Israel. Israel also provides counter-insurgency training to India’s anti-terror forces. Collaborations between both the countries have increased since 2014.

Cooperation in Agriculture

India and Israel started an agricultural fund worth USD 50 million, in 2008. It focused on dairy, micro-irrigation and farming technology. This led to constitution of Indo-Israel Agricultural Project.

Economic Relations

India is the third-largest trading partner of Israel, in Asia after China and Hong Kong. Trade of diamond accounts for more than 53% of total bilateral trade. Trade has further diversified to include several sectors such as agriculture, IT, pharmaceuticals, and telecom & homeland security. India exports precious stones, metals, textiles, textile articles and chemical products etc to Israel.

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