Overview of India-Israel Relations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel on February 25-26 represents a major milestone in the development of bilateral relations, coinciding with significant geopolitical changes in the Middle East. Historically, India's engagement with Israel was minimal post-Independence, due to ideological reasons. However, ties have deepened, particularly under the Modi administration which began in 2014, bringing a strategic dimension to the relationship.
Historical Context
- India's initial reluctance stemmed from its support for the Palestinian cause. A significant ideological shift occurred in the early 1990s with the establishment of full diplomatic relations.
- In the 1970s, as foreign minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee initiated secret diplomatic engagement with Israel.
- Prime Minister Modi’s visit in 2017 was pivotal, breaking a longstanding mold of private engagement and public distance concerning Israel.
Political Developments
- The BJP's historical ties with Israel date back to the Jana Sangh era, emphasizing strategic and ideological alignment.
- The Congress, while historically more cautious, has also engaged with Israel under various administrations.
- Jyoti Basu, a leading communist figure, engaged with Israel in 2000, highlighting the complexity of Indian political attitudes towards Israel.
Strategic Implications
- Modi’s visit in 2026 aims to expand strategic collaboration, focusing on security, defense, and advanced technologies.
- The regional context has shifted notably, with Israel emerging militarily dominant and several Arab states normalizing relations with it.
Regional Geopolitical Dynamics
- The balance of power has shifted with the weakening of Iran and its allies, reshaping regional alliances and power structures.
- Netanyahu's proposed "hexagonal" alliance reflects Israel's strategy to stabilize the region with India's involvement.
- Counter-alliances, such as a potential "Islamic NATO," raise concerns but historically have shown limited endurance.
India's Broader Middle East Strategy
- India maintains productive relationships with most major regional powers, excluding Turkey, and has been active in fostering economic and military ties.
- India is actively pursuing free trade agreements with Gulf countries, reflecting its broader strategic and economic interests in the region.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Despite increased engagement, the Middle East remains a volatile region, presenting challenges for India’s foreign policy.
- India's approach has shifted from ideological to a more pragmatic stance, focusing on critical interests such as energy, labor, and counter-terrorism.
