The Indian and Israeli flags. Photo: India Israel Activists United Facebook page.

Despite the ongoing wave of terrorist attacks against Israelis, the month of October experienced a 44 percent growth in tourism from India.

According to the Indian Economic Times, the Israeli Ministry of Tourism reported the steep spike in Indian tourism to Israel in October 2015, compared with the same period the year before. The Tourism Ministry now even provides an Indian English-language option on its website, from among a handful of nations.

“Israel is a blend of history, tradition and modern cosmopolitan experience. The destination offers tourism aspects for all kind of age groups and this is evident from the latest increase in Indian arrivals,” Hassan Madah, director of Israel’s Tourism Ministry India division said in a press statement, according to the Times. 

Israel and India have enjoyed a closer relationship since the election of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Indian President Pranab Mukherjee became the first Indian head of state to visit Israel, also in October, and condemned all acts of terrorism amid the current surge in violence against Israelis that has killed more than 20 in the Jewish state including three US citizens.

Modi will reportedly visit Israel next year.

Overall tourist arrivals to Israel have increased by 5% in October 2015, over the same period last year, according to the Times.