GS II – International Relations
Israel’s Bordering Countries:
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Lebanon (North)
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Syria (Northeast)
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Jordan (East)
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Egypt (Southwest)
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Palestinian territories:
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West Bank (landlocked, disputed with Jordan/Palestinians)
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Gaza Strip (on southwestern coast, controlled by Hamas)
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🧭 Geostrategic Relevance: Israel lies at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, with access to the Mediterranean Sea.
Iran’s Bordering Countries:
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Afghanistan (East)
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Pakistan (Southeast)
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Turkey (West)
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Iraq (West)
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Armenia (Northwest)
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Azerbaijan (Northwest)
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Turkmenistan (Northeast)
Geostrategic Relevance: Iran borders the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz—a vital oil transit chokepoint.
 India’s Relations with Israel and Iran
India–Israel Relations
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Diplomatic Ties | Full diplomatic relations since 1992; strategic partnership since early 2000s. |
| Defence Cooperation | Major arms supplier (drones, radars, missiles like Barak-8); regular joint military exercises (e.g., Blue Flag). |
| Agri-Tech & Water | Advanced Israeli irrigation tech and agriculture know-how in Indian states (Maharashtra, Gujarat). |
| Trade | ~$10 billion (goods + services); major exports: diamonds, chemicals; imports: high-tech equipment. |
| Diaspora | Small Indian-Jewish community in Israel (Bene Israelis, Cochin Jews). |
| Recent Developments | Stronger cooperation under I2U2 grouping (India, Israel, UAE, USA); talks on FTA with India–Israel in progress. |
India–Iran Relations
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Historical Ties | Deep civilizational links (language, culture); strong ties pre-1979 revolution. |
| Energy Security | Iran was a major oil supplier to India; imports reduced after U.S. sanctions (2018). |
| Chabahar Port | India developed Chabahar Port for direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia—bypassing Pakistan. |
| Strategic Importance | Iran vital for INSTC (International North–South Transport Corridor). |
| Diaspora & Culture | Shared Shia-Sunni religious connections, Persian influence on Urdu. |
| Recent Issues | Limited trade due to U.S. sanctions; India maintains a neutral stance in Iran–Israel tensions. |
| Evacuation & Diplomacy | “Operation Sindhu” (June 2025): evacuated Indians from Iran amid tensions. |