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A strategic move or risky realignment? Reading Modi’s Jerusalem visit

By Mohd. Ziyaullah Khan* 
On February 25, 2026, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jerusalem and was received by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with notable public warmth. Netanyahu personally welcomed Modi at the airport and acknowledged the visit on social media. The trip marked Modi’s second official visit to Israel and was presented by both governments as a reaffirmation of deepening bilateral ties at a time when Israel faces sustained international scrutiny over its military operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
During the visit, Modi addressed the Knesset and was awarded the Medal of the Knesset. Speaker Amir Ohana described Modi as a leader whose policies reflect “courageous, consistent and sincere friendship with Israel.” The ceremony underscored the symbolic and strategic importance that both sides attach to the relationship.
The visit, however, unfolded against the backdrop of continuing global debate over Israel’s conduct in Gaza and ongoing proceedings at the International Court of Justice. These developments have polarized international opinion. Some countries have limited high-level engagement with Israel’s current leadership, while others have continued cooperation based on strategic calculations. In this context, Modi’s visible engagement has prompted discussion among observers about whether the visit represents routine strategic continuity or a more pronounced diplomatic alignment.
India–Israel relations have steadily expanded since full diplomatic ties were established in 1992. Defence cooperation forms a central pillar. Israel has emerged as one of India’s key arms suppliers, with data frequently cited from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute indicating that India has been among the largest importers of Israeli defence equipment in recent years. Cooperation spans drones, missile defence systems such as Barak-8, radars, surveillance platforms, and intelligence-sharing mechanisms. Military and counter-terror coordination have become institutionalized elements of the partnership.
Beyond defence, bilateral trade in non-military sectors has crossed approximately $10 billion. Collaboration is expanding into artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, critical minerals, water management, agriculture, and emerging technologies including quantum research. Negotiations over a possible Free Trade Agreement have continued intermittently and may gain momentum following this visit.
At the same time, India’s engagement with Israel is situated within a broader West Asian diplomatic matrix. India maintains deep energy, trade, and diaspora ties with Gulf countries and continues relations with Iran. Millions of Indian citizens live and work in the region, and energy imports from West Asia remain central to India’s economic stability. Successive Indian governments have pursued a balancing strategy—expanding security cooperation with Israel while reiterating support for Palestinian statehood and regional stability. Whether the optics of high-profile visits alter perceptions of that balance is part of the ongoing debate.
Corporate linkages have also grown alongside state-level cooperation. The Adani Group, led by industrialist Gautam Adani, has expanded investments connected to Israeli infrastructure and defence-related ventures. In 2022, the group acquired a majority stake in Haifa Port as part of a consortium deal valued at approximately $1.2 billion. Joint ventures such as Adani Elbit Advanced Systems India Ltd have enabled domestic manufacturing of advanced drones, including the Hermes 900 platform, in collaboration with Israeli partners. Israel Weapon Industries has also supplied small arms to the Indian Army under large procurement contracts linked to private-sector participation. Supporters view these developments as part of India’s drive toward defence indigenization and strategic diversification, while critics call for transparency and clear separation between policy decisions and corporate interests.
Ideological dimensions are also part of the conversation. India has strongly condemned the October 7, 2023 attacks against Israel and reiterated its opposition to terrorism. At the United Nations, India has at times abstained on resolutions related to Gaza ceasefires, framing its position as guided by national interest and support for dialogue. Critics argue that abstentions may signal a shift from India’s historically vocal pro-Palestine posture, while supporters maintain that India continues to endorse a two-state solution and humanitarian assistance.
India was among the first non-Arab countries to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988. For decades, New Delhi combined rhetorical support for Palestinian aspirations with growing defence ties to Israel. The current phase reflects greater visibility in India–Israel engagement, though official statements continue to emphasize balance and strategic autonomy.
The broader question is whether the Jerusalem visit enhances India’s global standing or introduces new diplomatic complexities. Potential benefits include expanded defence cooperation, technology transfers, intelligence collaboration, and stronger counter-terror capabilities. Potential risks involve perceptions of diplomatic tilt, reputational costs among sections of the Global South, and possible strain in segments of West Asian public opinion.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jerusalem thus represents more than ceremonial diplomacy. It highlights the continued evolution of India’s West Asia policy—anchored in strategic realism, economic opportunity, and security cooperation, yet closely watched for its political and moral implications. Whether the visit ultimately strengthens India’s strategic posture or complicates its balancing act will depend on how effectively New Delhi manages its diverse regional partnerships in the months and years ahead.
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*Freelance content writer and editor based in Nagpur; co-founder, TruthScape

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