Features|Narendra ModiHow Modi ‘broke down walls’ between India, Israel – at Palestine’s expenseUnder Modi, India has weakened its longstanding support for the Palestinian cause to embrace Israeli leader Netanyahu, amid the genocide.
New Delhi, India – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Israel on Tue, Feb 25, 2025, marking his second official visit to the nation. This visit highlights the deepening ties between India and Israel, which have evolved significantly…
New Delhi, India – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Israel on Tue, Feb 25, 2025, marking his second official visit to the nation. This visit highlights the deepening ties between India and Israel, which have evolved significantly since Modi's first trip in July 2017.
Historical Context and Diplomatic Relations
India and Israel established formal diplomatic relations in January 1992. The relationship has primarily been anchored in defense cooperation, with India becoming Israel's largest weapons buyer. In recent years, the partnership has expanded to include other sectors such as technology and trade.
During Modi's leadership, the bilateral relationship has strengthened considerably. In 2024, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance defense collaboration, including the potential joint development of anti-ballistic missile systems.
New Delhi, India – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Israel on Tue, Feb 25, 2025, marking his second official visit to the nation.
Trade between India and Israel has grown significantly, from $200 million in 1992 to over $6 billion in 2024. India is Israel's second-largest Asian trading partner, with key trade areas including diamonds, petroleum, and chemicals. The two nations are currently negotiating a free trade agreement to further boost economic cooperation.
Despite the strengthening of ties with Israel, India maintains its traditional stance on the Palestinian issue, advocating for a two-state solution and peaceful dialogue. However, India's criticism of Israeli policies in the Palestinian territories has diminished, reflecting a shift towards a more pragmatic foreign policy approach termed "strategic autonomy."
India's strategic positioning in the Middle East allows it to maintain favorable relations with various regional players, including Israel, Arab nations, and Iran. This balanced approach aims to avoid entanglement in regional conflicts and maximize diplomatic and economic benefits.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
