Modi’s visit to Israel sparks debate over diplomacy and strategic ties

Wednesday 25 February 2026 - 09:20

By: Sahili Aya

Modi’s visit to Israel sparks debate over diplomacy and strategic ties

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel for a two-day official visit aimed at reinforcing bilateral ties with one of New Delhi’s key partners in trade, defence and technology. The trip reflects India’s growing strategic engagement with Israel, even as it has triggered political criticism within India over the timing and geopolitical implications of the visit.

In his departure remarks, Modi highlighted the “robust and multifaceted strategic partnership” between the two nations, noting that cooperation has expanded significantly in recent years. During the visit, he is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, as well as address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament.

Diplomatic relations between India and Israel were formally established in 1992, but ties have deepened considerably since Modi took office in 2014. His historic visit to Israel in 2017 marked a turning point in bilateral engagement, followed by Netanyahu’s reciprocal visit to India in 2018. Since then, collaboration has broadened across sectors including agriculture, cyber-security, defence technology and innovation.

Economic co-operation has also intensified. Negotiations for a potential India-Israel Free Trade Agreement recently resumed in New Delhi, with officials noting that merchandise trade between the two countries reached approximately 3.62 billion dollars in 2024–2025. Analysts view the proposed agreement as a step toward expanding commercial integration and boosting investment flows.

The visit comes against a complex regional backdrop. India has carefully balanced its strengthening partnership with Israel while maintaining long-standing diplomatic and economic relations with Gulf countries and Iran. New Delhi’s involvement in projects such as Iran’s Chabahar port and broader Middle East connectivity initiatives reflects its multi-aligned foreign policy strategy.

However, the visit has generated criticism from opposition figures in India, particularly from members of the Indian National Congress. Leaders within the party argued that the trip should also address humanitarian concerns related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Politician Priyanka Gandhi urged the prime minister to raise the issue of civilian casualties and advocate for justice and peace during his address in Israel.

Another senior Congress leader, Jairam Ramesh, criticized the visit, describing it as diplomatically controversial amid global scrutiny of Israel’s military actions. The opposition contends that India’s traditional foreign policy has emphasized moral balance and support for peace in international conflicts.

Strategically, India continues to position itself as a global power capable of engaging with multiple partners across geopolitical divides. While strengthening defence and technological ties with Israel, it also maintains strong links with Arab nations and Iran, reflecting the country’s broader objective of safeguarding economic interests and regional stability.

The visit underscores India’s evolving foreign policy priorities, where strategic partnerships, economic diplomacy and geopolitical balancing increasingly shape its international engagements.