How Modi ‘broke down walls’ between India, Israel – at Palestine’s expense
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to strengthen India's relationship with Israel have significantly shifted the dynamics between New Delhi and Tel Aviv. Since Modi's historic visit in 2017, which marked the first time an Indian prime minister visited Israel, ties between the two nations have grown increasingly close. This move has drawn criticism from analysts who argue that it comes at the expense of India's long-standing support for Palestine. While India has historically been a vocal advocate for Palestinian independence, its pragmatic approach under Modi has prioritized strategic and economic benefits over ideological alliances.
The relationship between India and Israel was once seen as controversial in India due to the country's strong ties with Arab nations like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. However, under Modi, defense deals and military cooperation have flourished, with India becoming Israel's largest weapons buyer. In 2024, despite international condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza, Indian companies supplied rockets and explosives to Israel. This has raised concerns about the moral implications of India's growing friendship with Israel.
Modi's government has justified this shift as a "pragmatic" decision, citing Israel's expertise in technology and military capabilities. However, critics argue that aligning too closely with
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026