Modi visit signals deepening India–Israel ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip marks his second visit to Israel, following his landmark 2017 visit — the first ever by an Indian premier. During the visit, Modi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, hold talks with senior officials and address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament.

Defense at the forefront

Analysts expect defense collaboration to dominate discussions, reflecting Israel’s status as one of India’s principal suppliers of advanced military systems. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute indicate that India accounted for 34% of Israeli defense exports between 2020 and 2024.

Indian media reports suggest New Delhi is exploring joint development of ballistic missile defense systems, laser-based platforms, long-range standoff missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. Ryan Bohl of the RANE Network noted that cooperation on anti-ballistic missile technology could allow Israel to expand production of systems such as the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 for broader markets.

Trade, technology and economic corridor

Beyond security ties, bilateral trade reached nearly $4 billion in 2024, with both sides recently signing a bilateral investment agreement and launching negotiations toward a free trade deal. Experts say an eventual agreement could accelerate cooperation in agriculture, water management, desalination, waste treatment, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

India’s expanding network of economic agreements — including with the UAE, Oman and the EU — reflects its wider trade diplomacy strategy. Multilateral initiatives such as the I2U2 framework and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor are also expected to feature in discussions.

Iran and Palestine considerations

Iran is likely to be addressed during the talks, given India’s longstanding ties with Tehran and strategic investments such as the Chabahar Port. Analysts suggest New Delhi favors a diplomatic resolution to tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program while maintaining dialogue with Israel.

Regarding Palestine, observers note that India has increasingly separated its Israel engagement from its traditional support for a two-state solution. Discussions may also touch on Gaza ceasefire efforts and broader peace initiatives, including aspects of former US President Donald Trump’s regional peace proposals.

Regional alignments and political optics

Netanyahu recently spoke of constructing a wider network of regional partnerships, referencing countries including India, Greece and Gulf states. However, analysts emphasize that India’s foreign policy remains anchored in strategic autonomy, avoiding alignment in regional rivalries.

For Netanyahu, the visit carries domestic political weight. Former diplomat Alon Liel said the optics of high-level engagement with a major power such as India could help counter perceptions of Israel’s diplomatic isolation ahead of upcoming elections.

The visit underscores a partnership that has expanded well beyond cautious engagement into a multidimensional strategic relationship, shaped by defense cooperation, economic diplomacy and evolving regional geopolitics.