In a significant move that underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and South Asia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on February 25, 2026, for a high-stakes two-day state visit. Welcomed on the tarmac with a warm embrace from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the visit marks a deepening of what both leaders have characterized as a “special relationship”—a term traditionally reserved for Israel’s alliance with the United States.
This trip is Modi’s second to the country, following his historic 2017 visit which broke decades of Indian diplomatic caution regarding the Jewish state. For Netanyahu, the arrival of the leader of the world’s most populous nation provides a timely boost of international legitimacy as Israel continues to navigate the fallout from the war in Gaza and mounting tensions with Iran.
A Friendship Forged in Strategy and Personal Rapport
The rapport between Modi and Netanyahu has been a defining feature of the India-Israel partnership over the last decade. Netanyahu frequently refers to Modi as a “personal friend,” noting that the two speak regularly. This personal chemistry has facilitated a dramatic shift in India’s foreign policy, moving away from its historical stance of “exceptionalism” toward Israel, which was long dictated by India’s support for the Palestinian cause and its reliance on energy from Arab nations.
In 2017, Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to set foot in Israel. Crucially, during that trip, he did not visit the Palestinian Authority, a departure from the “de-hyphenation” policy of his predecessors. This 2026 visit follows a similar pattern, focusing exclusively on the bilateral ties with Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Defense: The Bedrock of the Alliance
The primary pillar of the relationship remains defense and security. India is currently the world’s largest purchaser of Israeli military hardware, accounting for nearly 40% of Israel’s arms exports. Between 2015 and 2019 alone, Indian purchases of Israeli weapons grew by a staggering 175%.
During this visit, the two leaders are expected to sign defense deals potentially worth over $10 billion. Key items on the agenda include:
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Joint Development of Technology: Discussions are underway for the joint development of anti-ballistic missile defense systems and long-range standoff missiles.
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The “Sudarshan Chakra” Shield: India is looking to incorporate elements of Israel’s famed “Iron Dome” technology into its own indigenous air defense system.
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Make in India: Aligning with Modi’s “Make in India” initiative, major Israeli defense firms have established Indian subsidiaries to co-produce drones, sensors, and surveillance equipment.
Economic Integration and the “Hexagon of Alliances”
Beyond defense, the 2026 visit aims to expand the relationship into high-tech sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. Netanyahu has articulated a vision of a “hexagon of alliances”—a strategic and economic bloc featuring India, Israel, Greece, Cyprus, and select Arab and African nations—designed to counter radical axes in the region.
This alignment is further bolstered by the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), where Israel serves as a critical link. Economic ties are also being formalized through a Bilateral Investment Agreement signed in late 2025, and current negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that could double the $5 billion in annual non-defense trade.
Geopolitical Headwinds
However, the visit is not without its controversies. Domestically, Indian opposition parties have criticized the trip as a “betrayal of the Palestinian cause,” particularly given the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Internationally, the visit occurs as the U.S. increases its military presence near Iran, raising fears of a regional conflict that could affect the millions of Indian expatriates living in the Gulf.
Despite these pressures, Modi’s presence in Jerusalem—where he will address the Knesset and visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial—signals that India views its strategic partnership with Israel as a permanent and essential component of its “global power” aspirations.
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