Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on Wednesday for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the countries’ strategic partnership at a time of heightened regional tensions due to the Gaza conflict.
During the visit, Modi will meet Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, and address the Israeli parliament. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the trip reaffirms long-standing ties while allowing both sides to discuss “common challenges” and global issues.
Defense Ties Take Center Stage
Bilateral relations have expanded sharply since Modi’s historic 2017 Israel trip, evolving into a full strategic partnership. According to SIPRI data, India has emerged as one of Israel’s top defense customers, purchasing more than $20 billion in systems between 2020–2024.
Experts note that Israeli technology—including missile defense systems, surveillance tools, Barak interceptors, and Harpy drones—now plays a crucial role in India’s military architecture, especially following Operation Sindoor in 2025.
Analysts say a potential anti-ballistic missile (ABM) development pact may be announced, focused on joint development and technology transfer rather than forming any NATO-style defense treaty. Such an agreement would further tie India’s defense ecosystem to Israeli capabilities.
A Delicate Diplomatic Balance
Modi’s visit comes as India tries to navigate its long-standing support for the Palestinian cause alongside its deepening partnership with Israel. India recently joined over 100 countries in condemning Israeli moves seen as consolidating control over the occupied West Bank.
Strategic observers say Modi will need to acknowledge India’s support for a two-state solution, even as security and defense cooperation grow stronger. How India articulates its position will be closely watched by Iran and the wider Arab world.
Analysts argue that while India is not militarily involved in any Middle East conflict, it risks becoming strategically entangled due to its deep defense and intelligence cooperation with Israel—something New Delhi views as necessary to safeguard national interests.
Maintaining Strategic Autonomy
Former diplomats note that Modi’s Israel visit is part of India’s broader defense diversification strategy, where maintaining strong ties with the US, Russia, France, and Israel remains critical.
India, experts say, supports positions aligned with its national interest—even when they conflict with the policies of friendly nations. Examples include India voting against Iran’s nuclear program while simultaneously cooperating with Tehran on projects like the Chabahar Port.