Indian Prime Minister Modi Visits Israel to Bolster Strategic, Trade, and Defense Ties Amid Shifting Geopolitics

Kathmandu. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on Wednesday for a two-day visit aimed at further strengthening strategic, trade, and defense cooperation. Amid the changing geopolitical balance in the Middle East, this visit is seen as an effort to take bilateral relations to a new height.

In a statement released before his departure, Prime Minister Modi mentioned that India and Israel share a 'strong and multifaceted strategic partnership.' He informed that he is scheduled to meet with his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset. "Our relationship has strengthened remarkably in the past few years," he said.

Cooperation between the two countries has gradually expanded since the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 1992. It is analyzed that relations have become even closer since Modi came to power in 2014.

He visited Israel as Prime Minister in 2017, and Netanyahu subsequently visited India. Both leaders have publicly referred to each other as 'friends.'

New Delhi has been increasing cooperation with Israel in areas such as defense, agriculture, technology, and cybersecurity. Talks regarding a Free Trade Agreement between India and Israel began in New Delhi on Monday. According to the Indian government, the total trade between the two countries reached US$3.62 billion in 2024-2025.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to discuss ways to further strengthen cooperation with Netanyahu and also meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor plan was unveiled in September 2023.

This included projects for the development of railways, ports, energy, and data networks. However, the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and the subsequent Gaza war obstructed those plans.

Political reactions have also emerged within India ahead of the visit. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi expressed the expectation that Prime Minister Modi should also mention the 'killing of thousands of innocent civilians in Gaza' when addressing the Knesset. India is the world's most populous country, with a Muslim community of about 220 million.

While expanding relations with Israel, India has maintained a balanced relationship with Gulf nations and Iran. The Adani Group operates the Haifa port, and Israeli drone technology played a significant role in the clash with Pakistan in May 2025. Furthermore, India is also involved in the development of Iran's Chabahar port, attempting to strengthen trade access with Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Modi's visit highlights not only defense and trade partnership but also India's active role in regional diplomatic balancing.