The Hindu:- Published on 25 FEB 2026
Why It Is in the News
Narendra Modi has begun a two-day visit to Israel, marking a significant moment in India–Israel relations. The visit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia, ongoing conflict in Gaza, and rising friction between Israel and Iran. It is also diplomatically sensitive because India recently joined more than 100 countries in expressing concern over Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. The timing of the visit therefore places India’s foreign policy balancing act under close international scrutiny.
Historical Evolution of India–Israel Relations
India’s relationship with Israel has undergone a profound transformation over the decades. At the time of Israel’s creation in 1948, India opposed the move and voted against Israel’s admission to the United Nations. Although India formally recognised Israel in 1950, full diplomatic relations were established only in 1992. For much of the Cold War era, India’s strong support for the Palestinian cause shaped its cautious approach toward Israel.
The turning point came after 2014, when Narendra Modi assumed office. His 2017 visit to Israel was historic, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to travel to the country. Since then, bilateral ties have expanded rapidly across defence, agriculture, water management, cybersecurity, and high-technology sectors. Today, Israel is among India’s key strategic partners in West Asia.
Key Agenda of the Visit
During the visit, Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. He is also addressing the Knesset and visiting Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial museum. These engagements symbolise political trust and shared strategic interests.
Economically, both sides are focusing on implementing the recently signed Bilateral Investment Treaty and advancing negotiations on a possible Free Trade Agreement. Cooperation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and quantum technologies is expected to feature prominently in discussions. Trade between the two countries has grown from $200 million in 1992 to approximately $6.5 billion in 2024, reflecting the deepening economic partnership.
Defence cooperation remains central to the relationship. India is currently Israel’s largest arms customer, importing missile systems, drones, radar technologies, and surveillance equipment. The two countries are also likely to update security agreements, further strengthening strategic coordination.
Geopolitical Context and Strategic Implications
The visit takes place amid complex regional dynamics. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed forming a new regional bloc—including Israel, India, Greece, and Cyprus—to counter “radical” forces in the region. While India has not formally endorsed this idea, its growing closeness to Israel signals expanding strategic alignment.
At the same time, India maintains longstanding ties with Iran, particularly through the Chabahar Port project. It is also a member of multilateral groupings such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, where positions on Middle East conflicts sometimes differ from Western perspectives.
Recently, India avoided joining one SCO condemnation of Israel but later joined a BRICS statement criticising Israeli and US strikes on Iran. These calibrated moves highlight India’s effort to preserve strategic autonomy.
The visit also occurs amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States, increasing the risk of regional escalation. In such a scenario, Israel could play a frontline role, and India may face diplomatic pressure to clarify its stance.
Significance of the Visit
Narendra Modi’s trip underscores the consolidation of what many describe as a “special relationship” between India and Israel. The partnership now extends beyond defence trade to include innovation, technology, and strategic coordination. For Israel, high-level engagement with India provides diplomatic legitimacy and access to a major emerging economy. For India, Israel offers cutting-edge defence technology and expertise in critical sectors.
However, the visit also carries risks. Close association with Israel during controversial military operations may attract criticism domestically and internationally. Additionally, any deterioration in India’s relations with Iran could affect energy security and connectivity projects.
Conclusion
Narendra Modi’s Israel visit reflects the transformation of bilateral ties from cautious engagement to robust strategic cooperation. While economic and defence interests dominate the agenda, the broader geopolitical implications are equally significant.
As West Asia experiences renewed instability, India’s ability to maintain a delicate balance between Israel, Iran, the United States, and multilateral blocs will define the future trajectory of its foreign policy. The visit therefore represents not just a diplomatic event, but a test of India’s evolving global role in an increasingly polarised world order.
