Modi’s Israel Visit: Five Key Insights from Gaza to Defense
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently concluded a significant two-day visit to Israel, during which he received a warm welcome from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This visit is particularly notable as it was marked by supportive rhetoric on India’s relationship with Israel, while remaining silent regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Modi’s Address to the Knesset
On February 25, 2026, Modi made history as the first Indian leader to address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. His speech earned a standing ovation, where he expressed unwavering support for Israel amidst the ongoing conflict, stating, “India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction, in this moment and beyond.”
Condemnation of Terrorism
In his address, Modi offered condolences for the lives lost in the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas, emphasizing that India shares Israel’s grief. He reiterated India’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism, drawing parallels with India’s own experiences, particularly the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Historical Context of India-Israel Relations
While India had historically opposed the creation of Israel and only established formal diplomatic relations in 1992, this trip underscores the growing warmth between the two nations since Modi assumed the prime ministership in 2014. Their bilateral ties have increasingly deepened, especially in areas of defense and security.
Focus on Defense Cooperation
- India has emerged as Israel’s largest defense buyer, investing billions annually.
- Modi and Netanyahu discussed enhancing cooperation in defense, trade, and technology.
- A new Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership was announced to further innovative collaboration.
Geopolitical Implications
During the visit, Netanyahu proposed a “hexagon of alliances” aimed at strengthening security ties with India and other countries against perceived threats in the region. Modi did not confirm this specific proposal but advocated for collaborative projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), aimed at fostering economic ties between diverse nations.
New Strategic Approach
Analysts suggest that India’s approach seeks to “dehyphenate” its relations with Israel and Palestine, allowing India to pursue strategic interests independently. This marks a shift from earlier diplomatic stances that emphasized solidarity with Palestine.
Concluding Remarks on Humanitarian Issues
Although Modi expressed support for dialogue and peace in the region, he notably avoided mentioning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where significant civilian casualties have escalated. This silence has prompted discussions about the future of India’s foreign policy toward Palestine and Israel.
In summary, Modi’s visit to Israel was characterized by a renewed commitment to India’s partnership with Israel while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics in the region. This evolution marks a pivotal moment in India’s diplomatic stance, with long-term implications for its relations with both Israel and Palestine.
