India at 80: Young, progressive, and forging a special partnership with Israel – opinion

India, celebrating 80 years of independence, has transformed from a fledgling nation in 1947 into a global economic and technological power. Despite initial challenges like partition and poverty, India adopted a democratic constitution in 1949 and, following economic reforms in 1991, has achieved significant growth, particularly in infrastructure, manufacturing, and digital transformation. The country's digital public infrastructure, including the UPI, and its thriving startup ecosystem, exemplified by Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket, highlight its innovation. India is also committed to sustainable growth, aiming for 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, and is emerging as a major hub for AI innovation. Furthermore, India's foreign policy emphasizes humanitarian assistance and a rules-based international order, as demonstrated by its G20-Presidency in 2023. The article highlights the "Special Strategic Partnership" between India and Israel, established during Prime Minister Modi's 2026 visit. This partnership, rooted in shared democratic values and a commitment to innovation, spans agriculture, water, defense, trade, and technology. The author, India's ambassador to Israel, suggests that the next phase should focus on "greater ambition, deeper integration and co-creation," particularly in areas like AI, semiconductors, and space, with the potential to jointly offer solutions to third-country markets.