KATHMANDU: Nepal and Israel share a historic and enduring diplomatic relationship, established on June 1, 1960. Nepal was the first South Asian country to officially recognize Israel, a remarkable diplomatic decision considering the regional and geopolitical landscape of that era. Over the decades, this relationship has strengthened through high-level exchanges, cooperation in agriculture and labor, humanitarian assistance, and mutual diplomatic support.

Despite geographical distance and differing regional interests, Nepal and Israel have successfully built a strong foundation of trust, cooperation, and solidarity. However, challenges remain, especially in the areas of trade imbalances, foreign employment policies, and Nepal’s careful balancing of its ties with both Israel and Arab nations.

This article explores the history of Nepal-Israel relations, key diplomatic engagements, economic and labor cooperation, humanitarian assistance, the impact of recent geopolitical events, and the future prospects for further strengthening bilateral ties.

Historic Diplomatic Partnership: Nepal’s Recognition of Israel

Nepal took a pioneering role in recognizing Israel at a time when most Asian nations, including India and China, had not yet established formal diplomatic ties with the Jewish state. Following diplomatic recognition, Israel quickly opened its embassy in Kathmandu in March 1961, marking the beginning of an official diplomatic presence in Nepal. Nepal reciprocated by opening its honorary consulate in Israel in 1993 and later formalized its diplomatic presence by establishing its embassy in Tel Aviv on August 13, 2007.

Nepal’s decision to establish ties with Israel, despite opposition from many Arab and Muslim-majority nations, demonstrated its independent and pragmatic foreign policy. While maintaining warm relations with Israel, Nepal has also upheld its commitment to global peace, stability, and human rights by advocating for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Diplomatically, Nepal has consistently supported Israel’s right to exist within secure and internationally recognized borders. Nepal has voted in favor of key United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, including Resolution 242 (1967) and Resolution 338 (1973), which affirmed the right of all states in the region, including Israel, to live in peace.

High-Level Diplomatic Visits: Strengthening Ties

Bilateral relations between Nepal and Israel have been strengthened through multiple high-level diplomatic visits over the decades.

Key Nepali Visits to Israel:

• 1960: Late Prime Minister B.P. Koirala visited Israel, setting the foundation for Nepal-Israel diplomatic ties.

• 1963: King Mahendra paid a state visit to Israel, further strengthening ties.

• 1968: Crown Prince (later King) Birendra visited Israel.

• 1980s-2000s: Several visits by Nepalese leaders, including former Prime Ministers Girija Prasad Koirala and other high-ranking officials.

Key Israeli Visits to Nepal:

• 1979: Foreign Minister Moshe Dayan visited Nepal, reinforcing diplomatic cooperation.

• 2012: Nepal and Israel commemorated 50 years of diplomatic relations with a joint postal stamp.

These high-level exchanges reflect the importance both nations place on their relationship.

Economic and Trade Relations

Despite strong diplomatic ties, trade between Nepal and Israel remains very limited and imbalanced.

Nepal’s Major Exports to Israel:

• Jute carpets

• Handicrafts

• Woolen products

• Vegetable items

Israel’s Major Exports to Nepal:

• Electronic equipment

• Medical supplies

• Agricultural technology and machinery

The trade potential between Nepal and Israel remains largely untapped. Increased bilateral economic engagements, including technology transfers, tourism promotion, and direct investments, could help Nepal reduce its trade deficit and expand its presence in the Israeli market.

Agricultural Cooperation and Israel’s Support for Nepal

Israel is globally recognized for its advanced agricultural techniques, including drip irrigation, greenhouse farming, and water conservation technologies. Nepal has benefitted significantly from Israeli expertise in modern farming methods, particularly in vegetable and fruit cultivation.

Many Nepali students and farmers travel to Israel for agricultural training programs, gaining hands-on experience in high-tech farming and resource management. These programs have helped introduce modern irrigation techniques in Nepal, increasing productivity and sustainability in rural farming communities.

Additionally, Israel has been a reliable partner in providing humanitarian aid to Nepal during crises. Following the 2015 earthquake, Israel was among the first countries to send emergency response teams, medical personnel, and relief supplies to Nepal. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) set up a field hospital in Kathmandu, treating thousands of earthquake victims.

Nepali Workers in Israel: Opportunities and Challenges

Israel has been a major employment destination for Nepali caregivers and agricultural workers. However, the number of Nepali workers in Israel has fluctuated over the years due to changing immigration policies.

Recent Developments in Nepali Labor Migration to Israel:

• In 2022, Israel resumed hiring Nepali caregivers under a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement.

• Over 1,000 Nepali workers were selected under this program, with 300 caregivers already deployed in Israel’s nursing sector.

While Israel provides better wages and working conditions compared to many Middle Eastern countries, language barriers, cultural differences, and legal complexities remain challenges for Nepali workers. Strengthening Nepal-Israel labor agreements and ensuring worker rights will be crucial for future cooperation.

The October 7, 2023 Attack and Nepal’s Response

The brutal Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, deeply affected Nepal, as 10 Nepali students were killed, and several others were injured. One Nepali national, Bipin Joshi, remains missing and is suspected to be held hostage by Hamas.

Nepal’s Diplomatic Response:

• Strongly condemned the Hamas attack.

• Sought support from Qatar and the U.S. for Bipin Joshi’s release.

• Coordinated with Israel and international organizations to ensure the safety of Nepali citizens in conflict zones.

Israel has pledged long-term financial support to the families of deceased Nepali students, demonstrating its commitment to Nepal.

However, Nepal must carefully balance its foreign policy. While supporting Israel, Nepal also needs to consider its remittance-based economy, as thousands of Nepali migrant workers are employed in Arab nations such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. A diplomatic balancing act is required to maintain relations with both Israel and the Middle Eastern countries.

Future Prospects for Nepal-Israel Relations

As Nepal and Israel navigate global challenges, there are several opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations:

1. Expand trade by increasing Nepal’s exports to Israel, particularly in handicrafts, herbal products, and tourism services.

2. Enhance labor cooperation to provide more employment opportunities for Nepali workers in Israel.

3. Boost agricultural collaboration by adopting Israeli high-tech farming and irrigation technologies.

4. Strengthen diplomatic engagement through high-level political visits and cultural exchanges.

5. Promote tourism cooperation, leveraging Nepal’s Himalayas and Israel’s historic religious sites.

Conclusion

The Nepal-Israel relationship, rooted in mutual respect, historical ties, and economic cooperation, has endured for over six decades. From early diplomatic recognition to modern-day partnerships in labor, agriculture, and crisis response, Nepal and Israel have demonstrated a deepening friendship.

Moving forward, strategic diplomacy, economic collaboration, and cultural exchanges will be key to further strengthening Nepal-Israel relations in an increasingly complex global landscape.