PM Modi in Tel Aviv: The Strategic Evolution of India–Israel Relations

Why in the News ?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on an official visit to Tel Aviv, marking his first trip to Israel since his landmark 2017 visit — the first-ever by an Indian Prime Minister after diplomatic ties were established in 1992.

However, the present visit unfolds amid a volatile regional context, including tensions involving the United States and Iran and a fragile ceasefire in Gaza. The visit highlights both the evolution and the growing strategic weight of India–Israel relations.

The Early Years: Recognition Without Full Ties

Background and Context

India recognised the state of Israel in 1950, soon after its creation in 1948. However, full diplomatic relations were delayed for over four decades due to:

• India’s strong support for the Palestinian cause
• Cold War alignments
• Domestic political sensitivities
• India’s energy and diaspora interests in West Asia

In January 1992, during Yasser Arafat’s visit, Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao conveyed that establishing ties with Israel could enhance India’s diplomatic leverage on Palestine.

On January 29, 1992, India formally established full diplomatic relations with Israel — a decisive turning point.

Growing Defence Cooperation

Even before formal ties:

• Israel supplied arms to India during the 1962 war with China.
• During the Kargil conflict (1999), Israel rapidly provided precision-guided munitions to the Indian Air Force.

This established Israel as a reliable defence partner.

Political Engagement Deepens (2000–2013)

• In 2000, External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh and Home Minister L. K. Advani visited Israel.
• Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon visited India in 2003 — the first such visit.
• Strategic cooperation expanded quietly in defence, intelligence, and agriculture.
• Public discourse emphasised science, technology, and commerce, while defence ties remained low-profile.

India–Israel Relations After 2014

Political Normalisation and Strategic Visibility

After assuming office in 2014, PM Modi brought relations into the open.

• He met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York in 2014.
• President Pranab Mukherjee visited Israel in 2015 — the first Indian Presidential visit.
• External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visited in 2016.

The 2017 Breakthrough

PM Modi’s 2017 visit marked:

• The first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel.
• A departure from past practice — he did not combine the visit with a stop in Palestine.

This signalled India’s confidence in pursuing an independent West Asia policy.

Expanding Strategic & Economic Cooperation

Defence and Security

• Israel remains among India’s top defence suppliers.
• Cooperation spans drones, missile systems, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism.

Technology and Innovation

• Collaboration in AI, water management, agriculture (drip irrigation), and startups.
• Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement are underway.

Strategic Connectivity

• Israel is a key node in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

A Shifting Geopolitical Landscape

Abraham Accords

Under the Abraham Accords signed during Donald Trump’s presidency, Israel normalised ties with several Arab nations, reshaping West Asia’s diplomatic architecture.

Gaza Conflict and Ceasefire

The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack triggered a prolonged Gaza conflict. A fragile truce now holds, but regional tensions remain high.

Rising Iran–Israel Tensions

In June 2025, a 12-day Israel–Iran confrontation heightened instability. U.S. military actions targeting Iranian nuclear facilities further escalated tensions.

The regional security environment is thus significantly more fragile than during Modi’s 2017 visit.

India’s Diplomatic Tightrope

Strategic Importance of Israel

• Key defence and intelligence partner
• Technological innovation hub
• Vital stakeholder in regional connectivity projects

Regional Sensitivities

India must balance:

• Strong ties with Israel
• Energy and strategic ties with Iran
• Support for a two-state solution
• Relations with Gulf countries

Any perceived tilt could impact India’s energy security and diaspora interests.

Significance of the Visit

1. Demonstrates continuity in strategic engagement.
2. Reinforces defence and technology cooperation.
3. Signals India’s multi-aligned diplomacy in a turbulent West Asia.
4. Tests India’s ability to maintain strategic autonomy amid great-power rivalries.