Modi–Netanyahu Bonhomie in Israel as Congress Draws Contrast With Nehru’s Gaza Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his two-day visit to Israel on February 25 , receiving a ceremonial red-carpet welcome from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben-Gurion Airport . The two leaders shared a visibly warm exchange, reinforcing what both sides have described as an upgraded “special strategic partnership.”

Roads leading to the Knesset were lined with Indian and Israeli flags, and the parliament building was illuminated in the colours of the Indian tricolour. Modi addressed the Knesset , becoming one of the few world leaders accorded the honour, underlining the visit’s diplomatic significance. In his remarks, he emphasised shared democratic values and expanded cooperation in defence systems, artificial intelligence, quantum research, cybersecurity , and people-to-people ties . He is also scheduled to pay tribute at Yad Vashem , the Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, and hold talks with President Isaac Herzog . Several MoUs , particularly in defence and advanced technologies, are expected to be signed.

The visit unfolds amid heightened tensions across West Asia , with reports of increased military preparedness in and around Israel and speculation over possible US–Israeli military action against Iran . Regional observers point to visible security mobilisation and strategic signalling that suggest the possibility of imminent escalation. In this context, some analysts argue that Modi’s presence projects continuity and strategic calm, effectively extending what they describe as a fragile facade of peace by at least the duration of his visit.

Back home, the Congress party mounted sharp criticism. Senior leader Jairam Ramesh accused the Prime Minister of displaying “moral cowardice” at a time when large sections of the international community are critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza that killed nearly 70,000 people and left millions homeless . The party invoked the legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru , who visited Gaza on May 20, 1960 , meeting Indian UN peacekeepers there a gesture Congress leaders describe as emblematic of India’s historic solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Congress leaders argued that while India’s partnership with Israel has been firmly established since Modi’s first visit in July 2017 , the timing of the current trip raises moral and diplomatic questions. The government, however, maintains that the visit reflects India’s multi-aligned foreign policy and its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships amid an increasingly volatile global environment.