Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned trip to Israel coincides with a period of highly complicated geopolitics as the situation in West Asia continues to deteriorate and is changing diplomatic calculations and regional alliances in general. India and Israel enjoy good ties that are getting stronger day by day, especially in a strategic partnership, the three pillars being defence, technology, and economic cooperation. However, new diplomatic sensitivities have been introduced now because of the international environment at large.
Israel’s regional modus operandi being changed, the U.S. taking a tough stance on Iran, and the world at large criticising Israel’s policies in the West Bank are among the major factors behind the difficult situation that is facing the reaffirmation of the bilateral ties otherwise quite straightforward.
Netanyahu’s Hexagonal Alliance and Strategic Realignments
Leading these changes is the ambitious regional vision of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is believed to have come up with a so-called hexagonal alliance. The latter corresponds to a situation where Israel is intensifying its partnership network, which consists of the countries with shared interests and security, especially when it comes to the economic side, but most importantly to the challenge of Iran’s supreme influence.
Israel, with the United States as the most important partner, has been exploring further strategic links with countries of the Middle East and beyond. India, which has been increasingly engaging with Israel over the last ten years, can be regarded as an important element of this strategic frame as a whole. Their relationship exposes features that go beyond normal diplomatic relations. Cooperation in the development of new defence technologies, cybersecurity, agriculture, and the sharing of intelligence are some of them.
Israel sees India as a country that can provide a stable partnership and be influential in Asia, while India is able to make good use of the technological prowess of Israel as well as its highly advanced defence capabilities.
Nevertheless, the grand plan of Netanyahu to build an alliance is coinciding with increased tensions between the US and Iran. On several occasions, Washington has warned Tehran about its nuclear ambitions and its military operations in the region, thus raising the possibility of a military confrontation. A potential escalation with Iran would certainly have a drastic impact not only on the stability of the region but also on countries such as India, which have maintained diplomatic and economic relations with both Israel and Iran.
India’s connection with Iran still holds a lot of strategic value, especially considering the various connectivity projects like the Chabahar Port. This particular project enables India to get to Afghanistan and Central Asia without having to go through Pakistan; thus, India is strengthening its regional economic and strategic influence. Nevertheless, India is also in no position to damage its closeness to Israel, which has come to be a significant defence and technology partner.
To a large extent, this kind of balancing is what characterises India’s foreign policy in West Asia. Over the years, India has managed to cultivate strong relations with all the key players in the region: Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran. India has not decided to limit itself to just one bloc; instead, it has taken a pragmatic multi-aligned approach, putting a premium on their national interests and strategic autonomy.
It is widely anticipated that PM Modi’s trip to Israel will serve as a declaration of India’s steadfastness towards Israel, while at the same time, India will consciously steer clear of any act that may be interpreted as taking sides in the rivalries of the region at large. India’s diplomatic approach has always been to champion the idea of working together, with no room for confrontation, and this has allowed them to be in a position to have good relations with all rival geopolitical camps.
West Bank Issue and Worldwide Diplomatic Sensitivities
Furthermore, the meeting between Modi and Netanyahu is less straightforward because of the international criticism of Israel’s plans to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank. Some countries and international bodies have publicly opposed these policies and have maintained that they are against the peace process with the Palestinians, and also that they breach international law. The criticism has led to more diplomatic scrutiny of Israel, and thus, visits by world leaders have become more politically delicate.
For India, a historical supporter of the Palestinians’ struggle, yet at the same time hermetically sealing the relationship with Israel, it is like walking a diplomatic tightrope. India has always maintained that the only way to achieve peace is by both Israel and Palestine having their own independent states, and these states will enjoy peace, security, and sovereignty. Such a position evidences India’s commitment to the peace, security, and overall well-being of the region.
Robust Defense and Technological Partnership
Notwithstanding the diplomatic sensitivities, India and Israel remain very close, and their partnership continues to grow. Israel is a top defence contractor for India, and they not only collaborate on military technologies but also on advanced ones like drones, missile systems, surveillance equipment, and cybersecurity solutions.
Modi’s meeting is likely to revolve around these partnerships and it can be said with some level of certainty that attention will also be paid to new areas such as artificial intelligence, climate change, water management, and startup ecosystems. Being a global innovation hub, Israel’s profile fits well with India’s desire to grow its digital economy and technology capacity.
Global Focus on the ModiNetanyahu Meeting
The world, especially the international community, will be closely watching to see how the Modi and Netanyahu meeting plays out in terms of public perception. According to analysts, the trip will in any case serve as a strong endorsement of the India-Israel relationship; however, it is expected that India, through the emphasis on its balanced approach, will continue to stand for regional stability and peaceful dialogue.
The leaders may have a talk about increasing their economic cooperation, strengthening technological partnerships, and jointly facing security issues. The outcome of these talks will be crucial for the future of India-Israel relations.
India’s Increasing Influence in World Diplomacy
In addition to the two countries’ relationship, the visit also underlines the fact that India is becoming a major player on the world stage that can not only engage with different regions but also has the capacity to navigate complex diplomatic situations. India’s growing economic strength, its technological prowess, and its strategic geopolitical position have made it an indispensable player in the international arena, including in the region of West Asia, which is considered strategically sensitive.
The fact that India can keep good ties with very different partners speaks to its changed and matured diplomacy and also to its dedication to positive global engagement.
