India–Israel Relations: PM Modi’s Visit and Strategic Evolution of Ties

Context

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Israel for the first time since his historic 2017 trip. Unlike 2017, the current visit occurs amid:
   1. A fragile ceasefire in Gaza
   2. Escalating tensions between Israel and Iran
   3. Increased US military involvement in the region
2. The visit reflects the growing strategic weight of India–Israel ties in an unstable West Asian environment.

Q1. How has defence cooperation shaped India–Israel relations?

1. Defence is the backbone of the partnership.
2. Historical Roots
   1. India recognised Israel in 1948 but formal diplomatic ties were established only in 1992 by Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao.
   2. Even before formal ties, Israel supplied limited military assistance, including during the 1962 war with China.
   3. During the 1999 Kargil conflict, Israel rapidly supplied precision munitions, building strategic trust.
3. Structural Deepening: Since the early 2000s, defence cooperation expanded into missile systems, surveillance platforms and UAVs and precision weapons.
4. High-level political visits, including that of Ariel Sharon to India in 2003, consolidated security ties.
5. Post-2014 Phase
   1. Engagement became more transparent under PM Modi.
   2. India emerged as a major buyer of Israeli defence technology.
   3. Intelligence cooperation and counter-terror collaboration strengthened.
6. Strategic Significance: Israel provides high-technology, combat-tested systems and rapid delivery, making it a crucial defence partner.

Q2. What is the nature of economic cooperation between India and Israel?

1. Economic ties have diversified beyond defence.
2. Trade Expansion: Bilateral trade now includes Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Diamonds and Technology products.
3. Free Trade Agreement: In November 2025, both sides advanced negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Defence agreements were also signed alongside economic initiatives.
4. Connectivity Dimension: Israel is a key partner in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. This corridor links India to Europe via West Asia, enhancing strategic trade routes.
5. Economic Importance: The partnership strengthens India’s westward economic outreach and supply-chain diversification.

Q3. How does the energy and geostrategic environment affect relations?

1. Israel is not a major energy supplier to India, but regional stability directly affects India’s energy security.
2. Current Regional Pressures
   1. The Gaza conflict following the October 2023 Hamas attack destabilised the region.
   2. A fragile truce currently holds.
   3. In June 2025, a 12-day Israel–Iran confrontation escalated tensions.
   4. The United States struck Iranian nuclear facilities, increasing regional volatility.
3. Strategic Dilemma for India: India must balance:
   1. Defence and technology ties with Israel
   2. Energy and connectivity interests with Iran
   3. Strong relations with Gulf nations
4. Thus, India’s engagement with Israel operates within a delicate regional equation.

Q4. What is the scope of technological collaboration?

1. India and Israel cooperate in Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Advanced defence technologies, Agriculture innovation (drip irrigation, desert farming) and Water management systems.
2. Technology has become a key non-military pillar of the partnership.
3. The Pegasus controversy also highlighted deep cyber interactions between the two sides.

Q5. How has the political and social dimension evolved between the two countries?

1. Early Caution: India delayed full diplomatic ties due to domestic political considerations and support for Palestine.
2. Turning Point (1992): Diplomatic relations were formalised under Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao.
3. Political Normalisation (2000s): Senior leaders across party lines visited Israel. Defence ties were maintained but often low-profile.
4. Open Engagement (Post-2014):
   1. PM Modi’s 2017 visit marked the first by an Indian Prime Minister.
   2. He did not combine it with a Palestine visit, signalling strategic confidence. (de-hyphenation policy)
   3. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visited India in 2018.
   4. Sustained high-level dialogue followed.
5. Social Impact: Public perception has shifted from ideological hesitation to pragmatic partnership.

Q6. What geopolitical situations shape current relations?

1. Changing West Asian Order: The Abraham Accords reduced Israel’s diplomatic isolation by normalising ties with several Arab states.
2. This shift reduced political costs for India in engaging Israel openly and created new regional economic possibilities.
3. Diplomatic Sensitivities: Iran and other regional players closely observe India’s growing proximity to Israel. Domestic political pressures in Israel also shape diplomatic optics. India must project strategic autonomy while avoiding regional alienation.

Q7. What are the gains and challenges for India?

1. Strategic Gains:
   1. Enhanced defence capability
   2. Access to advanced technology
   3. Expanded trade connectivity
2. Risks:
   1. Strained ties with Iran
   2. Regional instability affecting energy flows
   3. Diplomatic balancing pressures
3. Core Challenge: India must maintain strategic autonomy, regional balance and long-term economic interests without being drawn into regional conflicts.

Conclusion

India–Israel relations have evolved from cautious recognition to an openly strategic partnership anchored in defence, technology, and economic cooperation. However, the current regional turbulence makes engagement more sensitive than ever.

PM Modi’s visit reflects India’s attempt to consolidate strategic gains while carefully navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of West Asia.