India’s Modi visits Israel as US-Iran tensions mount

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Israel for his first official visit since 2017, marking a pivotal moment in bilateral ties between the two nations. Modi was greeted with full state honours by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion Airport. The visit comes against a backdrop of mounting Middle East tensions, with US-Iran nuclear negotiations stalled and the American navy flexing near the Gulf.

This trip is more than ceremonial. It represents a high-stakes balancing act for India — securing Israeli technology and defence cooperation while safeguarding the interests of millions of Indian workers in the Gulf and maintaining India’s historical support for Palestine.

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A Royal Welcome: Symbolism and Significance

The airport reception was a display of statecraft: national anthems, military guard, and personal greetings from Netanyahu and his wife. Modi’s itinerary includes a speech at the Knesset and a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial — both carrying heavy symbolic weight for the two democracies.

This is not Modi’s first visit; he traveled to Israel in 2017. Nine years later, both leaders are still in office, and the relationship has matured from diplomatic cordiality to a strategic partnership spanning defence, technology, and intelligence.

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Defence and Technology Deals on the Horizon

The 2026 visit is expected to produce concrete agreements in multiple high-priority sectors:

• Joint weapons production: Drones, missile systems, and next-generation defence technologies.
• AI and quantum computing collaboration: Israel brings cutting-edge innovation, India brings scale and implementation potential.
• Cybersecurity integration: Real-time intelligence sharing to counter threats from Pakistan and China.
• Agri-tech cooperation: Israeli drip irrigation and water management technologies already transforming Rajasthan’s agriculture sector.

Israeli officials have hinted at a potential “axis of like-minded nations”, including India, forming a loose network to counter shared strategic challenges posed by Iran and China. Importantly, this does not constitute a formal treaty — preserving India’s strategic autonomy while enhancing practical cooperation.

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India’s Middle East Tightrope

Modi faces a complex balancing act:

Israel Side:

• Defence imports: India spends over $3 billion annually, making it Israel’s third-largest weapons customer.
• Cutting-edge technology: AI, cybersecurity, drones, and space tech.
• Counter-terror application: Tested in Kashmir and sensitive border areas.

Arab World Side:

• Indian diaspora: Over 13 million workers in the Gulf, sending $40 billion in annual remittances back home.
• Oil dependence: 85% of India’s energy imports come from Gulf nations.
• Iran connectivity: Chabahar Port is crucial for trade and regional influence.
• Historical ties: India recognized Palestine in 1988, continuing support via UNRWA.

The challenge: gain Israeli technology and defence support without alienating Arab partners crucial for energy and workforce stability.

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US-Iran Flashpoint Timing

The timing of Modi’s visit coincides with heightened US-Iran tensions:

• US aircraft carrier deployed in the eastern Mediterranean.
• Strong diplomatic messaging on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
• Bipartisan warnings to Tehran from both Trump and Biden administrations.

For India, the stakes are clear:

• A Gulf conflict could strand 13 million Indian workers.
• Oil prices could spike, sending the rupee tumbling.
• Remittances would decline, putting families at risk.

In this volatile context, Israeli defence and technology cooperation becomes a hedge, providing India with alternatives if regional stability deteriorates.

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The Knesset Speech: Strategy and Symbolism

Modi’s planned Knesset address carries multiple objectives:

• Praise shared democracy: Emphasizing resilience and democratic values in two geographically distant but politically aligned countries.
• Condemn terrorism: Drawing parallels between Hamas operations and Pakistan-backed militancy in Kashmir.
• Support two-state solution: India maintains its historical stance on Palestinian statehood.
• Promote practical ties: Focus on defence, technology, and economic partnerships.

His Yad Vashem visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister, underscores India’s commitment to Holocaust remembrance and Holocaust education in Indian schools — a significant soft power move.

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Domestic Pushback and Political Calculations

Despite careful diplomacy, Modi faces domestic criticism:

• Congress and left-leaning parties: Claim India’s closeness to Israel equates to betrayal of Palestine.
• Muslim groups in Kerala and UP: Protests anticipated over the visit.

Reality check:

• India continues to recognize Palestine and contributes to UNRWA.
• Arab nations, many of which normalized relations with Israel first, are aware of India’s balancing act.

Modi counters criticism with tangible benefits:

• 50,000 jobs for returning Gulf workers in Israel and India’s defence industry.
• Advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
• Energy security and tech as insurance against potential regional instability.
• Counter-terror collaboration to strengthen India’s border security.

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The “Hexagon of Allies”: A Strategic Network

Israel envisions India joining a loose network of strategic partners:

1. Israel (Middle East)
2. India (Asia)
3. Greece (Europe)
4. UAE (Gulf)
5. Africa partner TBD
6. US as observer

This non-treaty framework allows for intelligence sharing, joint exercises, and tech transfer without binding India into formal military commitments — a smart model for strategic autonomy.

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Economic and Trade Considerations

Bilateral economic growth is another key driver of the visit:

• India-Israel trade currently at $10 billion, with a target to double.
• Defence imports remain around $3 billion annually.
• Agri-tech impact: 50,000 Indian farmers trained in Israeli technologies.
• UPI expansion: Potential rollout of PhonePe and UPI payments in Israel by 2027.
• Labour migration: 50,000-worker pipeline for tech and defence projects.

These numbers underline the practical benefits of Modi’s visit — beyond symbolism, it’s a roadmap for tangible gains in multiple sectors.

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Why Netanyahu Values Modi

Several factors make Modi a preferred partner for Netanyahu:

• Non-Western heavyweight: BRICS member providing global political weight.
• Proven tech battlefield applications: Kashmir serves as a testing ground for Israeli technologies.
• Diaspora bridge: 100,000 Indian Jews in Israel facilitate cultural and business ties.
• Gulf reliability: India offers a consistent partner when Arab nations waver on regional conflicts.

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Street Buzz and Public Reactions

Delhi WhatsApp groups:

• “Modi in Israel – proper boss move!”
• “Gulf tense, Israel jobs ready.”
• “Defence deals = China LAC solution.”

Kerala protests:

• “Blood alliance!” (predictable, symbolic outrage)

Tel Aviv desis:

• “PM in town – historic!”

Public perception highlights the dual domestic and international narrative: Modi balances global strategy with domestic optics.

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Measuring Success: Tangible and Intangible Wins

Concrete outcomes expected:

• Joint drone manufacturing facility (potentially Hyderabad).
• AI-based defence research center.
• Integration of cyber command operations.
• UPI live payments in Israel by 2027.
• 50,000 worker visas to strengthen bilateral labour cooperation.

Intangible gains:

• Knesset standing ovation.
• Strengthened personal rapport between Modi and Netanyahu (“Brother Modi” branding).
• Inclusion in Israel’s strategic “axis of allies.”

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My Hot Take: Geopolitical Judo

Modi’s Israel visit is a masterclass in geopolitical balancing.

• US-Iran tensions create urgency for alternative security measures.
• Gulf workers need contingencies, and Israel offers tech-driven solutions.
• Arab states distracted by Iran reduce potential diplomatic friction.

By positioning India as Israel’s Asian anchor, Modi achieves maximum practical gains without formal military alliances. Domestic critics may focus on Palestine symbolism, but the real victories are drones for Ladakh, cyber defence, energy security, and tech transfer.

With US carrier movements reminding India of the fragility of Gulf stability, this visit ensures India has a reliable, battle-tested partner in Israel.