Modi in Tel Aviv to solidify strategic alliance and expand defense cooperation

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began an official visit to Israel today, Wednesday, his second since coming to power in 2014. This step aims to solidify the trajectory of relations that have seen a qualitative leap since his historic first visit in the summer of 2017, which ushered in a new phase of overt cooperation between New Delhi and Tel Aviv.

Modi affirmed via social media platforms that the two-day visit aims to strengthen the multifaceted strategic partnership between the two countries. He noted that bilateral relations have witnessed steady growth in recent years, necessitating this high-level meeting to discuss regional and international issues of common interest.

The visit's agenda includes extensive talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in addition to a meeting with President Isaac Herzog. Modi is scheduled to deliver a speech before the Israeli Knesset and will also meet with representatives of the Indian community, who play a pivotal role in bridging cultural and economic relations between the two sides.

Technical reports indicate that the primary focus of this visit is on updating security agreements and expanding the horizons of cooperation in defense industries. Through these understandings, Israel seeks to strengthen its position as a major supplier of advanced military technology to India, which is one of the largest importers of this type of equipment in the world.

For his part, Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the visit, describing Modi as a close friend and considering this meeting a fundamental opportunity to build new alliances in the Middle East. Netanyahu expected the discussions to result in the signing of security protocols that would allow deeper cooperation in joint military manufacturing and intelligence sharing.

This visit represents the culmination of a strategic shift in Indian foreign policy, which has moved from traditional support for the Palestinian cause to building a close alliance with Israel. Since 1992, the date diplomatic relations began, the pace of rapprochement has accelerated unprecedentedly under the Bharatiya Janata Party led by Modi.

This shift was clearly manifested following the events of October 7, 2023, when India quickly expressed its full solidarity with Israel. This stance was also reflected in international forums, where New Delhi abstained from voting on UN resolutions calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, justifying it by the absence of explicit condemnation of the attacks Israel had suffered.

Our two countries share a strong and multifaceted strategic partnership, and relations have strengthened significantly in recent years.