Why are israel and india getting closer?

Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a two-day official visit to Israel, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. This comes amidst growing closeness between India and Israel, driven by shared democratic values, economic interests, and strategic partnerships. The visit is expected to deepen cooperation across various sectors, including technology, cybersecurity, and defense, while also addressing regional challenges. The alignment of India and Israel has been bolstered by their mutual opposition to terrorism and their focus on regional stability. Both countries have increasingly aligned their foreign policies to counterbalance emerging threats, particularly in the Middle East. India’s strategic engagement with Israel reflects its growing influence in global geopolitics and its desire to diversify partnerships beyond traditional alliances. India-Israel relations have seen a surge in collaboration, including joint military exercises, intelligence-sharing, and defense deals. This partnership is also fueled by India’s pursuit of advanced technology and infrastructure development, which aligns with Israel’s expertise in these fields. The growing bond between the two nations is viewed as a significant shift in South Asia’s diplomatic landscape. The strategic importance of this relationship lies in its potential to influence regional dynamics, particularly in addressing challenges like terrorism and maintaining peace processes in the Middle East. As India continues to play a pivotal role in global affairs, its alliance with Israel underscores its commitment to fostering stability and cooperation on the world stage.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026