Modi's Israel trip tests India's Middle East balancing act
Deutsche Welle
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Israel highlights a pivotal moment in India's strategic relations with the Middle East. The trip, marked by meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, aims to strengthen ties between the two nations, focusing on security, economic collaboration, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. While defense cooperation remains a cornerstone of their partnership, Modi's visit also underscores India's delicate balancing act in the region amid rising tensions, particularly over the Gaza conflict. The journey reflects India's growing strategic engagement with Israel while maintaining its historical ties to Palestine.
The deepening defense collaboration between India and Israel has become a significant focus of their relationship. Over the past five years, this partnership has grown substantially, with India becoming one of Israel's top defense customers. This includes multi-billion-dollar deals for missile systems and joint development projects in advanced technologies. Such cooperation not only enhances India's military capabilities but also reinforces its strategic alignment with Israel.
Modi's visit comes as India seeks to navigate a complex regional landscape. While India has condemned recent Israeli actions in the West Bank, it is clear that Modi's primary focus will be on advancing the strategic partnership with Israel. This includes addressing security challenges and economic opportunities, while making only symbolic references to the two-state solution. Experts note that India's political limitations mean it cannot fully assuage concerns from Iran or Arab nations, but its commitment to strategic cooperation with Israel remains unwavering.
The visit also raises questions about India's role in regional stability. While India avoids direct military entanglement, its growing strategic ties with Israel could draw it into broader Middle East dynamics. As Modi engages with Netanyahu on issues like Gaza and regional security, the implications for India's relationships with Iran and Palestine will be closely watched.
In summary, Modi's trip to Israel is a crucial step in deepening
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/25/2026