Arabic version: مودي يزور إسرائيل، marking تسع سنوات منذ الرحلة التاريخية
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to begin a two-day visit to Israel on February 25, nine years after his first trip to the country in 2017. This visit is significant as it follows a recent condemnation by India, along with more than 100 nations, of Israel’s de facto expansion in the occupied West Bank. Initially, India appeared hesitant to join the criticism.
According to Al Jazeera, Modi’s upcoming trip comes at a time when few Global South leaders have visited Israel since the October 7, 2023 attack, which makes his visit noteworthy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed eagerness to discuss various forms of cooperation, highlighting the strong alliance between the two nations.
Historically, India and Israel’s relationship has evolved from initial opposition to Israel’s creation to a close partnership in defense and technology. In the early years, India was vocal in its support for the Palestinian cause, even voting against the United Nations Partition Plan in 1947. However, over the decades, India has shifted towards a more favorable stance towards Israel while still maintaining some support for Palestine.
Modi’s visit is expected to further strengthen the ties between India and Israel, which have grown significantly over the years, despite India’s longstanding diplomatic support for Palestinian sovereignty.
