The 11th Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) – Begin Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (BESA) Track-II Dialogue was held in New Delhi on December 7, 2011. The IDSA-BESA Bilateral Dialogues have been one of the longest-running interactions for IDSA since they first began in 1998 when India and Israel’s engagement started showing significant developments.

The dialogue was focused on current dynamics in the bilateral relationship, the changing regional strategic environment and its implications for both the countries, the role of major powers in the region, among other pertinent aspects. His Excellency Alon Ushpiz, Ambassador of State of Israel delivered a special address while Amb Chinmaya Gharekhan was the keynote speaker in the inaugural session.

The two sides had detailed exchange of views on the future of Arab Spring, rise of Islamist parties, the Middle East Peace Process, Iranian nuclear programme and the US policy. Israeli experts expressed deep concern about Iran’s nuclear programme and its implications for stability in the Middle East. They also discussed the shifting global balance of power, including the rise of China. It was noted that the West Asia and South Asia are two of the most dynamic sub-regions of the world. They are in the midst of tumultuous changes, which will have great implications for countries in the region and the world in general. India and Israel are two dynamic, multi-cultural democracies facing similar kinds of threats at either end of the arc stretching across West Asia.

The important issues deliberated during the three sessions of this dialogue have been summarised under four subheadings and are attached below;

1. Inaugural Session including the keynote address and the special address
2. Global and Regional developments
3. Overview of Indian and Israeli Foreign Policy
4. India-Israel Bilateral Relations: Current Status and Future Prospects

Report prepared by Meena Singh Roy, Samuel C. Rajiv, Joyce Sabina Lobo, Rajorshi Roy and Princy Marin George.