Arabic version: مودي يعزز العلاقات مع إسرائيل خلال زيارته الأخيرة
According to Al Jazeera,
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two-day visit to Israel, emphasizing the strong friendship between India and Israel while avoiding discussion of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Modi’s visit, which began on February 25, 2026, included meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who referred to Modi as a brother and praised their growing bilateral ties. The leaders signed agreements on various issues, including innovation and agriculture.
During his address to the Knesset, Modi received a standing ovation for his declaration of unwavering support for Israel, stating, “India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction, in this moment and beyond.” He expressed condolences for the lives lost during a recent attack by Hamas but did not mention the casualties in Gaza, where the Israeli army has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians since October 2023. Modi’s silence on this issue has drawn criticism from some analysts.
Modi also highlighted what he termed the “civilisational ties” between India and Israel, noting the historical connections that date back over 2,000 years. He emphasized shared values and the admiration for Israel’s achievements within India. This warmth towards Israel is seen as reflective of the current Indian government’s ideological stance, which aligns with Zionist principles.
In the realm of defense, India is Israel’s largest weapons buyer, and Modi’s discussions with Netanyahu included plans to enhance cooperation in defense and security, as well as trade and technology. The establishment of a Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership was announced, aimed at fostering collaboration in artificial intelligence and other advanced fields.
Furthermore, Modi’s visit coincided with discussions about a potential alliance involving India, Israel, and other global powers to strengthen security cooperation. Modi has also called for collaboration on multilateral projects, such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which aims to connect India with Europe through an integrated trade route. This ambitious initiative reflects India’s growing influence in the Middle East and Europe, positioning it as a key player in regional geopolitics.
