From Gaza to defence: Five key takeaways from Indian PM Modi’s Israel visit
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Israel concluded with a strong show of support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as Modi praised Israel's stance against terrorism and reinforced bilateral ties. During his address to the Knesset, Modi became the first Indian leader to speak in the Israeli parliament, receiving a standing ovation. He expressed solidarity with Israel over the 2023 Hamas attack, calling it "barbaric" and reaffirming India’s opposition to terrorism. However, Modi notably avoided addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israel has faced criticism for its military actions since October 2023.
The visit was marked by symbolic gestures of friendship, including a tour of Yad Vashem, a Holocaust memorial, and being awarded the Knesset's highest honor. Despite India’s historical support for Palestine, Modi did not visit Palestinian territories during his stay, drawing criticism from analysts who argued that this silence compromised India’s long-standing pro-Palestinian stance. The omission was particularly notable given India’s role as a leader in the nonalignment movement and its past advocacy for decolonization.
Modi’s warm reception in Israel reflects a growing alignment between the two nations, rooted in shared nationalist ideologies and defense ties. Since Modi became prime minister in 2014, relations have flourished, with agreements signed during this visit focusing on innovation, agriculture, and other strategic areas. However, critics argue that Modi’s overt support for Israel risks alienating India from its traditional allies in the region and raises questions about the country’s role as a neutral mediator in Middle Eastern conflicts.
The timing of Modi’s visit has sparked debates about India’s foreign policy priorities. While he emphasized "civilisational ties" between India and Israel, analysts like Anwar Alam warn that this approach overlooks Palestinian suffering and risks reinforcing colonial narratives. As global tensions over the Gaza conflict escalate, India’s stance will be closely watched for its implications on regional stability and its role as a rising power in international diplomacy.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026