As of 25 February 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his second official visit to Israel, the first having taken place in 2017.
Strategic and Geopolitical Context
- De-hyphenation: The 2026 visit is structured as a stand-alone bilateral trip to Israel without a parallel engagement with the Palestinian Authority leadership. This approach reflects India’s policy of “de-hyphenation” in West Asia.
- India has decoupled its Israel and Palestine relationships.
- Each is treated as an independent bilateral engagement.
- India supports Palestinian statehood at the UN while simultaneously deepening its strategic partnership with Israel.
- Volatile Regional Situation: The visit takes place amidst significant upheaval in West Asia, with a US military build-up against Iran and a fragile ceasefire in Gaza established in October 2025.
- Hexagon Alliance: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has proposed a “Hexagon Alliance” comprising India, Israel, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, African nations, and Mediterranean countries (Cyprus and Greece) to counter radical Shia and Sunni axes.
- However, India remains cautious due to its strategic autonomy and its desire to maintain good relations with Iran and the Arab nations.
- India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): Despite delays caused by the Gaza war, the visit aims to progress this corridor as a safe alternative to the Suez Canal, which is currently threatened by Houthi rebels.
Defence and Security Cooperation
- Mission Sudarshan Chakra: Following “Operation Sindoor” in May 2025, India identified a need for an impenetrable air and missile defence shield. The mission aims to build a multi-layered defence dome protecting India from all aerial threats.
- Focus on “Iron Beam”: India has shown interest in Israel’s Iron Beam, a 100 kW high-energy laser system.
- Capable of intercepting drones, rockets, and mortars cost-effectively.
- Represents next-generation directed-energy warfare.
- Existing Defence Interdependence
- India accounts for 34% of Israel’s total arms exports (SIPRI 2020–24).
- Joint projects include the Barak-8 missile system (co-developed and co-produced).
- The November 2025 agreement emphasises joint defence technology development.
- $1.9 million surveillance deal between Israel’s Autonomous Guard and an Indian firm reflects growing private-sector collaboration.
- This signals a structural shift from a buyer–seller relationship to long-term co-development, enhancing India’s deterrence against asymmetric and aerial threats while advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.
Economic and Infrastructure Goals
- Free Trade Agreement (FTA): A primary focus is the final signing of the FTA, following the signing of the Terms of Reference in November 2025.
- Trade Volume: Bilateral trade totalled around $3.75 billion in 2024-25, with India as Israel’s second-largest trading partner in Asia.
- India–Israel bilateral trade primarily comprises diamonds, petroleum products, electronics, and medical equipment.
- Human Mobility: A Russia-style ‘human mobility’ agreement is being explored — enabling skilled Indian workers to work in Israel, similar to existing labour agreements.
- Infrastructure: Israel is encouraging Indian companies to participate in the construction of its roads and ports.
Technology, Agriculture, and Development
- Agriculture: Israel has already established over 35 Centres of Excellence in India, teaching high-density farming for crops like mangoes, pomegranates, and litchis.
- Water Management: The Israeli agency MASHAV has signed agreements with Haryana and Rajasthan for water harvesting and resource management.
- Innovation and AI: The Prime Minister will visit the Jerusalem Innovation Centre, reflecting a deepening collaboration in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and high-tech.
Symbolic and Diplomatic Significance
- Addressing the Knesset: In a rare honour, Prime Minister Modi has been invited to address the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament.
- Gaza Reconstruction: Discussions are expected on India’s potential role in Gaza’s reconstruction and development, as well as the establishment of lasting peace.
- India currently holds observer status in the Board of Peace, which manages a $7 billion fund for Gaza.
Conclusion
India is emerging as a key swing power in West Asian geopolitics — courted by all sides. The visit reinforces a partnership where India provides a massive market and manpower, while Israel provides advanced technology and capital.
25 Feb 2026
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