Why Modi’s Israel Visit Matters Now

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Israel on February 25–26, 2026, comes at a moment of heightened tension in West Asia, with concerns of a possible Iran-Israel confrontation or broader conflict gaining traction. Israel’s growing anxieties about Tehran’s regional posture and nuclear ambitions make this timing especially sensitive. External observers have noted that Modi’s visit is not just diplomatic choreography it’s a strategic signal to partners and rivals alike.

Israeli leaders have publicly framed the visit in geopolitical terms. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described Modi as a “personal friend” and India as a “global power”, underscoring the symbolic weight Jerusalem places on the relationship. Israel is actively trying to cultivate a broader network of strategic partnerships a so-called “hexagon of alliances” intended to counter what it sees as radical Shiite and Sunni axes, with India potentially playing a key role.

India–Israel Relations: From Cautious Engagement to Strategic Depth

India and Israel established diplomatic relations in 1992. While ties were initially limited, they have evolved dramatically especially since the early 2000s into a comprehensive partnership encompassing defence, technology, agriculture and security. Defence cooperation, in particular, has been a cornerstone: Israel is one of India’s top suppliers of advanced military technology, ranging from surveillance systems to missile defence components.

The Modi–Netanyahu era has accelerated this trajectory. Their first meeting in Israel in 2017 elevated the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. The 2026 visit aims to update and deepen that security framework, with expectations of new agreements on advanced defence collaboration, intelligence sharing, and cooperation in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing and cyber security.

Reports also suggest that Israel may transfer components of its famed “Iron Dome” air defence technology to India under “Make in India” provisions, potentially strengthening India’s own strategic deterrent architecture.

Beyond security, economic links are gaining momentum. Israeli officials have indicated movement toward a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, signaling a broadening of bilateral cooperation into trade and investment.

Balancing Act: India’s Iran Policy and Regional Nuance

India has historically maintained a carefully calibrated relationship with Iran, shaped by centuries-old civilisational links, energy interests, and geopolitical pragmatism. New Delhi has emphasised dialogue and stability in West Asia, avoiding overt alignment in local rivalries.

That balancing act was tested during the Iran–Israel conflict in 2025, when India conducted Operation Sindhu to evacuate thousands of its citizens from conflict zones showing a proactive humanitarian posture while trying to stay diplomatically non-aligned.

In this context, Modi’s Israeli visit is significant because it unfolds while India aims to sustain strategic ties with Israel without appearing antagonistic toward Iran. New Delhi’s official rhetoric including calls for peace and restraint reflects this nuanced diplomacy.

Possible Outcomes and Strategic Implications

1. Strengthened Defence Partnership

The most tangible outcome may be a renewed security pact that expands joint development and intelligence cooperation against emerging threats. Enhanced collaboration in missile defence and AI at a political level signals a mutual interest that goes beyond transactional arms deals.

2. Deepening Strategic Networks

Modi’s visit could encourage further integration into regional frameworks that Israel is pushing, such as cooperation with Mediterranean and South Asian partners. This could offer India new diplomatic space in West Asia, complementing its engagements with Gulf states and North Africa.

3. Economic and Technological Linkages

Advancing negotiations on an FTA and expanding cooperation in sectors like cybersecurity, water technology and agriculture could yield long-term commercial benefits.

4. Geopolitical Signalling

The visit sends a clear message that India is confident in expanding its global strategic footprint, even in volatile theatres. It also signals to actors like Pakistan and Turkey that New Delhi’s diplomatic bandwidth is expanding.

5. Diplomatic Tightrope

Critics might argue that such deepening ties risk alienating segments of the Global South, particularly those critical of Israel’s policies. There have already been domestic and international reactions even debates within Israel’s own parliament over how Modi’s visit should be received.

Modi’s visit to Israel in a period of rising tension with Iran is not an isolated diplomatic trip it’s a strategic pivot reflecting global realignments and India’s evolving role in world affairs. By deepening defence and technological cooperation with Israel while maintaining balanced ties with Tehran and other West Asian states, India is navigating complex geopolitics with a nuanced, multi-directional foreign policy.

The outcomes of this visit will likely shape India’s security posture, regional partnerships, and economic linkages for years to come underscoring New Delhi’s intent to be a decisive actor in an increasingly contested global order.