Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to begin a two-day visit to Israel on February 25, his first since a trip in July 2017 that marked the first by an Indian prime minister to the country.
The visit comes at a moment of heightened geopolitical tension, with the world on the brink of shifting alliances and power balances, according to analysts. Modi will meet with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, to discuss “all sorts of cooperation,” Netanyahu stated on February 15 during an address to the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations in Jerusalem.
India’s relationship with Israel has evolved significantly over the last decade, transitioning from discreet cooperation to an explicit strategic partnership. A cornerstone of this partnership is defense, with Israel being a top supplier of arms to India, including advanced missile systems and surveillance technologies. Intelligence-sharing and counter-terror cooperation have also been enhanced, reflecting India’s increased focus on national security.
Beyond defense, cooperation has expanded to include areas such as water management, agriculture, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and high-tech innovation. Israeli expertise in drip irrigation and arid agriculture has already had a demonstrable impact in rural areas of India. Discussions during Modi’s visit may also address potential collaboration in semiconductors and start-up communities, as New Delhi seeks to bolster its manufacturing and technological self-sufficiency.
India’s foreign policy approach to the region has historically been based on maintaining a balance, but recent actions suggest a shift. India, along with over 100 other nations, recently condemned Israel’s expansion in the occupied West Bank, a move that followed initial hesitation from New Delhi. This condemnation occurred days before Modi’s scheduled arrival.
While numerous Western leaders have visited Israel since the October 7, 2023 attack, Modi’s visit is considered particularly significant due to the relative scarcity of visits from leaders of the Global South. This makes the trip more than symbolic, representing a strategic move by India, according to analysts.
The visit is expected to cover a broad range of topics, including defense, technology, and trade. The two prime ministers are anticipated to discuss deepening cooperation across these sectors, with India’s large population of 1.4 billion and its growing economic and political influence making it a key partner for Israel.
