India and Israel safety assessments face ongoing scrutiny and debate nationwide

February 26, 2026 • Al Jazeera

India and Israel safety assessments face ongoing scrutiny and debate nationwide

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries. During his two-day trip, Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are expected to sign several agreements, further solidifying their partnership.

The visit was seen as a historic moment, with both leaders expressing warm sentiments towards each other. In an Instagram post, Modi described the trip as “historic,” while Netanyahu referred to it as “true friendship” between two leaders and countries.

Notable moments from the visit included Modi’s wife wearing orange/saffron, the color associated with Hindutva, which is a significant ideological framework in India. Netanyahu also pointed out that his outfit matched Modi’s orange pocket square.

The relationship between Netanyahu and Modi is built on shared concerns about Islam and Islamism, with both leaders viewing themselves as bulwarks against these threats. However, critics have raised questions about the safety guarantees offered by Israel and India to their respective populations.

In Israel, Palestinian citizens face institutionalized discrimination and are often referred to as “lesser citizens.” Racial discrimination against Mizrahi Jews has also been a matter of official policy in the state of Israel. Declassified documents reveal that thousands of babies from Arab Jewish families were stolen by hospitals and clinics after Israel’s creation.

The visit highlights the complexities of the relationship between Israel and India, with both countries having their own histories and experiences with exclusion and discrimination.

Source: Al Jazeera