Relations between Indians and Jews today: Constructing a meeting of civilizations

The relations between India and Israel have quickly become very tight since they established full diplomatic relations in 1992. Until then, and for 3000 years, Indians and Jews have been separated, physically, socially, and culturally around the world. This study looks globally in many ways in order to assess: Where might these relations lead in the long run? What may work for good synergy and what might cause conflicts? Multi-disciplinary literature review revealed lack of research into inter-religious relations in particular, and relations between large groups in general. Hence, new conceptual models of relation are introduced and used. Major theories used include: Intergroup Relations, Social Identity, Image Theory, Constructivism. Study included: interviews, mass media analyses; observations in Little India, New York: online and offline polls on relations, including of Israelis toward Indians and Hindus. Conclusion: Much depend on religious powers---mostly Orthodox Judaism and political Islam (e.g. Pakistani) that can spoil an otherwise good match between Indians and Jews.Advisers: Gary R. Weaver; Abdul K. Bangura.