Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel Wednesday for a two-day visit, his second official trip to the country and the first since the outbreak of the war in Gaza. The visit comes as tensions rise in the region, particularly between the United States and Iran, and as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza.
Modi is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening security cooperation, technological advancements, and trade relationships. According to Netanyahu’s office, the visit underscores the “tremendous alliance” between Israel and India. “The bond between Israel and India is a powerful alliance between two global leaders. We are partners in innovation, security and a shared strategic vision,” Netanyahu stated.
The visit is particularly noteworthy as it does not include a scheduled meeting with Palestinian leaders. This omission, analysts say, reflects India’s evolving foreign policy approach as it navigates relationships with both Israel and other nations in the Middle East. India has historically maintained a strong relationship with the Palestinian Authority, but ties with Israel have grown significantly since Modi first came to power more than a decade ago.
The deepening India-Israel relationship has been particularly evident in the realm of defense. India is a major purchaser of Israeli arms, and the two countries collaborate closely on counter-terrorism efforts. Modi’s first visit to Israel in 2017 was considered a turning point in the bilateral relationship, marking the first time an Indian prime minister had traveled to the country.
Foreign affairs expert Harsh V. Pant noted that India aims to demonstrate its continued commitment to its partnership with Israel while simultaneously attempting to balance its broader priorities in the Middle East. The visit is seen as a signal of India’s willingness to engage with Israel despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza and wider regional instability.
The timing of Modi’s visit also coincides with heightened tensions between the U.S. And Iran. While the direct impact of these tensions on the India-Israel relationship remains unclear, the broader geopolitical context adds another layer of complexity to the visit. The situation in the Middle East is further complicated by the recent recovery of the remains of the last Israeli hostage from the Gaza Strip, Ran Gvili, whose funeral was held in late January.
Modi is expected to address the Knesset during his visit, a symbolic gesture highlighting the importance India places on its relationship with Israel. The two leaders are anticipated to discuss potential new areas of cooperation, including joint ventures in technology and innovation. No further details regarding specific agreements or initiatives have been released.
