Modi in Israel: A Historic Shift 🇮🇱🤝
Asia
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a two-day visit to Israel on Wednesday, marking his first return to the country. This visit follows his historic 2017 arrival as the first Indian leader to do so. Relations between the nations have dramatically shifted since 2014, developing significantly under Modi’s leadership. The visit includes meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, alongside discussions aimed at upgrading existing security agreements. A key focus is on bolstering trade, currently valued at $6.5 billion annually, with India as Israel’s second-largest trading partner in Asia. Simultaneously, India remains Israel’s top arms customer, a relationship intensified by recent events. This evolving alliance unfolds amidst complex geopolitical tensions, including a 12-day war between Iran and Israel, and ongoing concerns regarding US military deployments.
MODI’S VISIT TO ISRAEL: A SHIFTING ALLIANCE
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is embarking on a two-day visit to Israel, marking a significant development in the evolving relationship between the two nations. This visit, following Modi’s historic 2017 trip as the first Indian leader to visit Israel, represents a deepening of ties built on strategic economic and defense cooperation. The visit underscores a fundamental shift in India’s foreign policy approach, moving beyond traditional non-alignment to a more proactive engagement with countries like Israel.
A HISTORY OF COMPLEX RELATIONSHIPS
India’s relationship with Israel has been characterized by a gradual evolution. Initially, India was among the few nations that opposed Israel’s creation in 1948 and maintained a critical stance for decades. While India recognized Israel as a state in 1950, formal diplomatic relations were not established until 1992, coinciding with the election of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Economic relations began to grow slowly over the subsequent two decades, with trade increasing from $200 million in 1992 to $6.5 billion in 2024. Key exports to Israel include pearls, precious stones, automotive diesel, chemicals, machinery, and electrical equipment, while imports consist of petroleum, chemical machinery, and transport equipment.
STRATEGIC ECONOMIC AND DEFENSE COOPERATION
The current phase of the India-Israel relationship is primarily driven by strategic economic and defense cooperation. India is currently Israel’s second-largest trading partner in Asia, after China. A key element of this collaboration is the upgrading of existing bilateral security agreements, alongside the signing of a new Bilateral Investment Treaty in September of last year, designed to provide "certainty and protection" to investors from both countries. Furthermore, India’s interest in developing the strategically located port of Chabahar on Iran’s southeastern coast has fueled this partnership, although recent US sanctions on Iran have prompted India to reassess its involvement.
KEY MEETINGS AND AGENDA
Modi’s visit includes meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other key figures. He is scheduled to address the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, and participate in the signing of agreements designed to bolster economic and defense ties. The agenda encompasses discussions on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and quantum technology, reflecting Israel's strengths in these areas. The visit is intended to foster a “hexagon” alliance, as proposed by Netanyahu, encompassing Israel, India, Greece, and Cyprus, alongside other regional partners.
GEOPOLITICAL CONTEXT AND CONTROVERSIES
The visit takes place amidst heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. India’s engagement with Israel is influenced by regional dynamics, including the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, and the US’s renewed pressure on Iran regarding its nuclear programme. India’s stance on the conflict is nuanced, having joined a later condemnation by the BRICS grouping of major emerging economies regarding Israel’s attacks on Iran. This reflects a strategic balancing act, driven by economic interests and security concerns. The US, with its naval assets deployed in the Arabian Sea, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
SHIFTING PRIORITIES AND POTENTIAL CHALLENGES
India’s evolving relationship with Israel raises questions about its broader foreign policy priorities. The country’s approach to Iran, its engagement with the “hexagon” alliance, and its relationship with the US all present potential challenges and require careful navigation. Azad Essa, a Middle East Eye reporter, highlights the significance of this shift, noting that the partnership was “a lot more limited prior to Modi.” The visit underscores a broader trend of India embracing authoritarianism and militarism, mirroring aspects of Israel’s state-building project, according to Essa.
This article is AI-synthesized from public sources and may not reflect original reporting.