Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Israel on February 25–26, marking his first trip to the country since 2017, when he became the first Indian Prime Minister to undertake an official visit there. The upcoming visit assumes considerable diplomatic significance, coming at a time of evolving geopolitical dynamics in West Asia and shifting alignments on the Israel–Palestine issue.
One of the most notable developments preceding the visit was India’s recent support for Palestine in opposing Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank. New Delhi joined more than 100 countries and international organisations in criticising what was described as “unlawful” settlement activity in the region. While India has consistently backed a two-state solution and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, it was initially absent from a list of countries that publicly condemned the West Bank expansion, presented by Palestine’s envoy at the United Nations.
Subsequently, India’s position was reflected in the joint statement issued after the India–Arab League ministerial dialogue, as confirmed by Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Balancing Strategic Interests
India and Israel have shared robust diplomatic and strategic ties, particularly since 2014. Prime Minister Modi and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, have maintained a visibly warm relationship. In a recent public message, Netanyahu described the two leaders as “personal friends” who have cultivated their partnership over many years, recalling symbolic moments such as their visit to the Mediterranean coast during Modi’s 2017 trip.
However, India’s recent diplomatic positioning in support of Palestinian concerns has drawn attention to how New Delhi will navigate discussions surrounding the ongoing Gaza conflict during the bilateral talks. Observers note that India has traditionally maintained a strategic balance in the Middle East — strengthening cooperation with Israel in defence, technology and economic sectors, while sustaining engagement with Palestinian leadership and preserving strong ties with Arab nations.
This calibrated approach is widely viewed as central to India’s broader West Asia policy, allowing it to protect both its strategic and energy interests in the region.
Defence Cooperation in Focus
Defence collaboration is expected to be a key pillar of the visit. Israel is globally recognised for its advanced defence technologies, particularly in missile defence systems such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow.
India is reportedly exploring enhanced cooperation with Israel in areas including long-range missile systems and loitering munitions deployable from air, land and sea platforms. Discussions may also advance prospects for joint development in anti-ballistic missile defence systems.
Such initiatives are seen in connection with India’s broader strategic objectives, including the recently announced Mission Sudershan Chakra, aimed at strengthening the country’s missile defence architecture and expanding long-range conventional capabilities.
Expanding Strategic Partnership
Beyond defence, the visit is expected to cover collaboration in science and technology, agriculture, water management and clean drinking water initiatives — sectors where bilateral cooperation has already shown tangible progress.
As Prime Minister Modi prepares for high-level discussions in Tel Aviv, the visit is set against a complex diplomatic backdrop, reflecting India’s effort to deepen strategic ties with Israel while preserving its long-standing commitment to a balanced and independent foreign policy in West Asia.
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