List of Countries in Asia that Recognize Israel

Israel, established in 1948, has navigated a complex landscape of international recognition, particularly in Asia, where geopolitical tensions and historical alliances have shaped diplomatic ties. While many Asian nations initially hesitated due to Arab-Israeli conflicts and Cold War dynamics, the post-Cold War era and recent Abraham Accords have expanded relations. As of October 2025, approximately 40 Asian countries recognize Israel, maintaining diplomatic relations that foster trade, technology exchanges, and security cooperation. This recognition underscores Israel's pivot to Asia amid shifting global alliances.

Asia's diversity—from East Asian powerhouses like China and Japan to South Asian democracies and Central Asian republics—highlights varied motivations. East Asian giants prioritize economic partnerships, with Israel exporting cybersecurity and agricultural tech. In South Asia, India stands as a strategic ally, bolstered by defense deals exceeding $2 billion annually. Central Asia's Muslim-majority states, like Kazakhstan, balance relations with Israel and Arab nations through energy and innovation collaborations. Southeast Asia sees growing ties, driven by shared concerns over regional stability and trade.

The table below lists these countries, categorized by subregion for clarity. It includes the year diplomatic relations were established, reflecting the timeline of normalization. Data draws from official diplomatic records and UN recognitions, noting that "recognition" here implies full diplomatic ties. Exclusions include non-recognizing states like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Malaysia, which cite solidarity with Palestine.

This compilation totals 32 countries with active ties, excluding Taiwan (recognized by Israel but not formally due to China policy). Central Asia's rapid post-Soviet recognitions in the early 1990s marked a thaw, with Israel opening embassies in all five 'Stans by 1993. East Asia's engagements, led by Japan's early 1952 ties, emphasize innovation; bilateral trade with China hit $15 billion in 2024, focusing on AI and renewables.

In the Middle East, the 2020 Abraham Accords catalyzed Bahrain and UAE's normalization, building on Egypt's 1979 Camp David peace and Jordan's 1994 treaty. These pacts have boosted tourism—UAE visitors to Israel surged 300% post-2020—and joint military exercises. South Asia's India, recognizing Israel in 1950 despite non-alignment, now shares intelligence on terrorism, with Netanyahu's 2017 visit sealing defense pacts.

Southeast Asia's relations, starting with Thailand's 1954 acknowledgment, thrive on agriculture; Israel aids rice irrigation in Vietnam, where trade reached $1.5 billion in 2023. Myanmar's 1953 ties persist amid controversy, while Brunei's discreet 1993 relations focus on oil tech. West Asian additions like Cyprus enhance Mediterranean energy corridors.

These relations counterbalance non-recognition by 10 Asian states (e.g., Iran, Syria, Lebanon), often tied to the Palestinian issue. Yet, economic imperatives drive quiet cooperation, like Oman's unofficial trade. Israel's Asia strategy, dubbed the "Pivot to Asia," has diversified partnerships, reducing Mideast dependency. Future expansions may include Indonesia, pending political shifts.

Challenges remain: Arab-Israeli tensions strain ties, as seen in 2023 Gaza escalations prompting protests in ally capitals. Still, shared interests in countering China or extremism solidify bonds. For instance, India's $3 billion drone purchase from Israel in 2024 exemplifies defense synergy.

In sum, Asia's recognizing countries represent 80% of the continent's population, fueling Israel's $50 billion annual exports. This network not only affirms sovereignty but propels mutual growth in a multipolar world