Modi’s Israel visit: Timeline of India’s relations with Israel, Palestine
Al Jazeera
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
India's relationship with Israel and Palestine has undergone significant evolution over the decades, reflecting shifting geopolitical dynamics and strategic considerations. From Mahatma Gandhi's strong support for Palestinian self-determination to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's embrace of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his recent visit, India's stance has transitioned from同情Palestine to fostering closer ties with Israel while maintaining a delicate diplomatic balance.
The roots of India's engagement with the region can be traced back to the 1950s and 1960s when India established early diplomatic ties with Israel, focusing on military cooperation. However, during the 1970s, influenced by Gandhi's legacy, India began to align more closely with the Palestinian cause, advocating for their self-determination and often voting in favor of resolutions at the United Nations that supported Palestinian rights. This shift was further solidified under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who sought to maintain India's non-aligned foreign policy by engaging with both Israel and Palestine while avoiding overt partisanship.
In the 1980s and 1990s, India began to explore opportunities for deeper engagement with Israel, particularly in areas of technology, agriculture, and defense. This period saw the establishment of joint ventures and collaboration on projects like drip irrigation systems, which have significantly impacted Indian agriculture. By the early 2000s, under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's leadership, India formally recognized Israel as a key partner, paving the way for stronger bilateral ties.
Modi's visit to Israel in 2017 marked a turning point, with both leaders announcing over $1 billion in investments and collaborations across various sectors. This relationship has since flourished, with Israel becoming one of India's top defense partners. Modi's recent meeting with Netanyahu during his India tour further cemented this alliance, with discussions focusing on regional security, terrorism cooperation, and joint initiatives in artificial intelligence and cyber technology.
However, India continues to maintain its traditional support for Palestine, often advocating for a two-state solution at international forums. This dual approach reflects India's strategic balancing
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/22/2026