Israeli PM's Jordan Valley remarks spotlight how India moved from decades of pro-Palestine solidarity to one of Israel's closest partnerships in Asia

Netanyahu's Remarkable Tribute

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a leadership programme in the Jordan Valley on Thursday, called India a "huge power" with "absolutely crazy love for Israel" — even as he acknowledged the Jewish state faces delegitimisation across much of the world.

"We are expanding our alliances and what you are talking about is expanding these alliances to a large space. And the larger space is really our unique relationship with a huge power called India," Netanyahu said. A video of the remarks was released by Israel's Government Press Office.

The words landed with weight. Not because praise between allied leaders is unusual, but because of how far India has travelled to reach this point.

From Nehru to Netanyahu

Post-Independence India was, for decades, among the most vocal champions of Palestinian self-determination. The ideological roots ran deep — Mahatma Gandhi had opposed the imposition of a Jewish state on Arab land as far back as 1938, framing it as an extension of colonial logic. Nehru, scarred by India's own Partition, voted against the UN's Palestine partition plan in 1947 and opposed Israel's admission to the UN in 1949.

India recognised the State of Palestine in 1988 — among the earliest countries to do so. Yasser Arafat enjoyed an almost fraternal relationship with Indian leadership through those years.

Yet even then, the story had a quieter subplot. Israel supplied military assistance to India during the 1962 war with China, the 1965 conflict with Pakistan, and again during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Covert intelligence cooperation reportedly predated formal ties by decades.

1992: The Quiet Opening

The Cold War's collapse forced a rethink. Economic liberalisation under Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao brought India closer to Western markets and, simultaneously, to Israel. Full diplomatic relations were established in 1992 — a turning point that set the stage for everything that followed.

The 1999 Kargil War deepened the bond further. Israel reportedly supplied laser-guided bombs, surveillance drones and critical equipment on short notice, cementing a perception inside India's security establishment that Israel was a reliable partner when it mattered most.

Modi Changes the Optics Entirely

The shift became most visible after 2014. Earlier governments had quietly deepened ties with Israel while keeping the public posture tilted toward Palestine. Narendra Modi changed that calculus openly. In 2017, he became the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel — and notably, did not pair the trip with a Palestine stop, as his predecessors had done. He visited Ramallah separately in 2018.

Earlier this year, Modi made a second official visit to Israel, addressing the Knesset to a standing ovation and pledging "friendship, respect and partnership" with Israel at a time when its global standing has been under strain due to the Gaza war.

Ahead of that visit, Modi said India "deeply values its enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to peace and progress."

Defence Ties: The Backbone

The strategic partnership is not simply rhetorical. India and Israel have significantly strengthened bilateral relations across defence, agriculture, water management, cybersecurity, healthcare, and emerging technologies. According to SIPRI data cited in earlier analyses, India accounted for roughly one-third of Israel's arms exports between 2020 and 2024 — drones, missile systems, radar technology, surveillance equipment.

October 7 and the Tone That Changed

The Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 was another inflection point. Prime Minister Modi was among the first world leaders to characterise it as a "terrorist attack" and express solidarity with Israel. India's subsequent abstentions on UN resolutions calling for humanitarian ceasefires in Gaza drew attention globally — a marked departure from India's earlier posture of careful balance.

New Delhi has continued to formally support the two-state solution and Palestinian statehood. But the diplomatic signals have been unmistakable.

The Balance India Still Tries to Keep

The transformation does not mean India has abandoned its older ties. Gulf nations remain critical partners — for energy imports, Indian diaspora remittances, and investment. India maintains warm relations with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Arab states, and cannot afford to be seen as wholly aligned with Israeli military policy in the region.

But Netanyahu's "crazy love" remark — offhand as it may have sounded — captures something real. He made the comment precisely while discussing Israel's need to expand international partnerships amid security challenges on multiple fronts. India's name came up first, and it did not come up accidentally.

The arc from Nehru's vote against Israel at the UN to Modi's address to the Knesset spans seven decades. It has been shaped by security pragmatism, ideological evolution, economic interests and geopolitical realism. Whatever India's official position on the conflict in Gaza, that arc tells its own story.

In a landmark move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the elevation of India-Israel relations to a "special strategic partnership" during his ongoing state visit to Israel on February 26, 2026. Highlighting shared commitments against terrorism and innovation-driven growth, Modi revealed agreements on UPI integration in Israel, alongside advancements in defence, space, and civil nuclear energy. This visit, amid escalating West Asian tensions, underscores the deepening bilateral ties that could reshape regional stability and economic cooperation.

Historic Tributes and High-Level Engagements

PM Modi's second day in Israel began with a solemn tribute at Jerusalem's Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, where he honored millions of Jews killed during World War II. Accompanied by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Modi planted a sapling symbolizing peace and remembrance. "Humanity must never become a victim of conflict," Modi stated, praising the Gaza Peace Plan as a pathway to resolution.

Following the memorial, Modi held bilateral talks with President Herzog, who lauded India's rapid economic growth and encouraged student exchanges. Modi extended an invitation for Herzog to visit India, emphasizing people-to-people connections. Delegation-level discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu focused on mutual interests, including counter-terrorism efforts. "There is no place for terrorism in the world," Modi asserted, committing to joint action under frameworks like IMEEC and I2U2.

Key Agreements and Economic Boost

A highlight was the signing of an agreement to link India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Israel's systems, enabling seamless digital transactions and boosting fintech ties. Modi expressed optimism about finalizing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) soon, noting ongoing negotiations that began on February 23. Bilateral trade reached $3.62 billion in 2024-25, and the FTA aims to ease customs, protect intellectual property, and support SMEs.

Defence emerged as a cornerstone, with last year's MoU paving the way for joint research, co-development, and production. Reports suggest potential deals worth $8.6 billion, including advanced drones like the Heron MK-2 and missile systems. Netanyahu praised Modi's "amazingly efficient government," while sharing a personal anecdote: his first date with wife Sara was at an Indian restaurant in Tel Aviv, symbolizing cultural bonds.

Broader Collaborations and Expert Insights

Discussions extended to AI, agri-tech, water management, and innovation. Netanyahu highlighted precision education via AI, stating, "The future belongs to those who innovate." Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the visit as "exceptional" and "productive," yielding rich outcomes in under 24 hours.

Experts like Israeli Consul General Yanee Revach view this as a boost for India's self-reliance under Make in India. For readers, practical takeaways include exploring UPI for travel to Israel, monitoring FTA for business opportunities, and supporting anti-terrorism dialogues amid global conflicts.

PM Modi's visit reinforces India-Israel strategic partnership at a critical juncture, blending historical respect with forward-looking collaborations. As Modi returns, these ties promise enhanced security, economic growth, and innovation—proving that shared values can bridge divides in a turbulent world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day historic visit to Israel commenced on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, marking his second trip to the country since 2017. The visit comes at a crucial juncture when bilateral trade has witnessed a significant downturn, making the anticipated agreements in defence, artificial intelligence, and cyber security even more critical for resetting the economic partnership .

Why This Visit Matters Now

The timing of PM Modi's Israel visit is particularly significant as India and Israel navigate a complex trade landscape. Aggregate trade between the two nations tumbled over 43% year-on-year in FY25 to ₹30,711.33 crore, compared to ₹54,081.05 crore in FY24 . Israel's share in India's total global trade has now shrunk to just 0.31%, declining consecutively over the last two years.

Despite this downturn, India maintains a positive trade balance with Israel, with exports exceeding imports. However, Indian exports to Israel halved in FY25 to ₹18,169.79 crore, while imports fell 24% to ₹12,541.54 crore during the same period .

Defence Cooperation Takes Center Stage

Ahead of the visit, India and Israel inked a new Memorandum of Understanding institutionalizing deeper collaboration between their defence industries. The partnership has steadily transitioned from buyer-seller transactions to joint development and structured technology collaboration .

The MoU follows a strategic industry engagement led by Israel's International Defence Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) in partnership with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers and India's Defence Ministry. Both sides expressed commitment to advancing bilateral dialogue, emphasizing continued cooperation between industries that have "stood shoulder to shoulder in times of crisis" .

The Barak-8 surface-to-air missile system, co-developed by India's DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries, stands as a shining example of successful technology sharing. Similarly, the Army's recent induction of the Suryastra Universal long-range rocket launcher, developed through collaboration between Israel's Elbit Systems and Pune-based Nibe Ltd, demonstrates the deepening defence manufacturing partnership .

Free Trade Agreement Negotiations Progress

Simultaneously, the first round of negotiations for the proposed India-Israel Free Trade Agreement began in New Delhi on Monday and will continue until February 26, coinciding with PM Modi's visit . The timing provides fresh momentum to deepen economic ties between the two nations.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal underscored that the FTA negotiations began at an opportune moment, highlighting significant opportunities in innovation, science and technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, high-tech manufacturing, agriculture, and services .

Former Israeli Ambassador to India, Daniel Carmon, expressed confidence in the negotiations, noting a significant shift in India's approach to FTAs under Minister Piyush Goyal's leadership. "The Israeli market is so small compared to others that things will not be influenced by movements of trade that have to do with Israel. People don't have to be scared to sign an FTA as soon as possible," Carmon observed .

What India Exports and Imports

India's primary exports to Israel include polished diamonds, precious stones, refined petroleum, electronics, machinery, organic chemicals, textiles, agricultural products like spices and tea, and defence equipment .

Conversely, India imports high-tech electronics, defence equipment, agricultural fertilizers, rough diamonds, advanced defence systems, communication devices, medical apparatus, and chemicals from Israel, which serves as a critical supplier of military hardware and technology .

Building on Recent Milestones

Last September, India and Israel signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement designed to provide greater certainty and protection for investors, including arbitration-based dispute resolution . The total investment between the two countries stood at approximately $800 million (₹7,200 crore) at that time .

The agreement aims to foster cooperation in fintech innovation, infrastructure development, financial regulation, and digital payment connectivity. Both nations have identified cybersecurity and defence as primary areas for fresh agreements during this visit .

Strategic Outlook

PM Modi will address Israel's parliament, the Knesset, and hold delegation-level talks with his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. The leaders will review progress in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and discuss opportunities across science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, and people-to-people exchanges .

As Israel's largest arms importer, accounting for 34% of Israeli defence exports between 2020-24 according to SIPRI, India's strategic calculus with Israel extends beyond commerce into geopolitical alignment . The visit reaffirms the deep partnership between two resilient democracies facing persistent security challenges.

With several memoranda of understanding expected to be signed, PM Modi's Israel visit represents a pivotal moment to transform bilateral trust into tangible economic and strategic outcomes for both nations.

India Backs UN Statement Criticising Israel’s West Bank Actions

In a significant diplomatic move, India condemns Israel West Bank measures by supporting a joint statement at the United Nations criticising Israel’s recent unilateral decisions in the occupied territory. The statement, backed by over 100 countries and international organisations, opposes Israeli settlement expansion and administrative changes in the West Bank.

This development is important because India shares strong strategic and defence ties with Israel, yet historically supports the Palestinian cause and the Two-State Solution framework. India’s decision to join the statement at the last moment highlights the delicate balance New Delhi is trying to maintain.

What Is Happening in the West Bank?

The West Bank has been at the centre of the Israel-Palestine conflict for decades. After the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, Israel took control of the territory, which was earlier administered by Jordan. Since then, the region has been considered “occupied territory” under international law.

Recently, Israel has reportedly:

 Expanded civilian settlements

 Allocated land for Israeli housing and infrastructure

 Increased administrative control and land registration

Many countries argue that these unilateral measures violate international law, including provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The concern is that such actions fragment Palestinian territories, making it difficult to establish a viable Palestinian state in the future.

 Why the UN Joint Statement Matters

The UN Joint Statement strongly opposes:

 Any form of annexation of occupied territories

 Actions that undermine peace and stability

 Measures that weaken the feasibility of the Two-State Solution

It calls for negotiations and mutual agreement rather than unilateral decisions.

India initially stayed away when 85 countries first supported the statement. However, as global backing grew, India added its name, reinforcing its long-standing support for a negotiated peace process.

Why Did India Condemn Israel?

The move may appear surprising given India’s deep defence and technology cooperation with Israel. However, India’s foreign policy has consistently supported:

 Palestinian self-determination

 A Two-State Solution

 Respect for international law and multilateral processes

By supporting the statement, India signals that strategic partnerships do not override its commitment to international norms.

Experts believe this decision reflects India’s broader global positioning. As a rising power seeking a larger role in global governance, India wants to be seen as supportive of international law and diplomacy.

 Will This Impact India-Israel Relations?

At present, major disruption in India-Israel ties seems unlikely. Defence, technology, and security cooperation remain strong pillars of the relationship.

Israel understands India’s historical stance on Palestine. Similarly, India continues to emphasise dialogue and diplomacy rather than confrontation.

However, diplomatically, this adds pressure on Israel amid growing global criticism over settlement expansion.

 Why This Matters Now

The issue is timely as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise. Settlement expansion directly affects the future of peace negotiations. If territorial continuity is broken, creating a viable Palestinian state becomes increasingly difficult.

India’s decision sends a message that while geopolitical realities matter, international law and negotiated settlements remain central to long-term peace.

India’s move to support the UN statement shows the complexity of modern diplomacy. By condemning unilateral actions in the West Bank, India reaffirms its support for the Two-State Solution while maintaining strategic ties with Israel.

In a world shaped by shifting alliances and rising conflicts, India’s balanced stand reflects both principle and pragmatism.