India and Israel Strengthen Ties Amid Palestinian Concerns

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Visits Israel for Second Time

Prime Minister Modi arrived at Ben Gurion airport outside Tel Aviv on February 25, marking his second visit to Israel. The visit comes nine years after Modi’s first trip in 2017, which was seen as a significant shift in India’s stance towards the country.

During his previous visit, Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met for the first time in New York in 2014, where they discussed ways to strengthen ties between the two nations. Since then, the relationship has become increasingly public, with both leaders frequently praising each other as “dear friends”.

The visit coincides with an ongoing war in the Palestinian territory and comes amid controversy over Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. The International Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024 on charges related to alleged war crimes.

Indian diplomats have justified the country’s shift towards Israel by citing the country’s strategic benefits, including its expertise in technology and military capabilities. However, some experts argue that this move has come at a cost, particularly in terms of India’s relationship with Palestine and its moral credibility.

India was once a strong advocate for Palestinian independence, but its stance shifted following the end of the Cold War. The country established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992 and has since strengthened ties on various fronts. Modi’s visit is seen as an opportunity to further deepen defence ties between the two countries, including a joint development of anti-ballistic missile defence systems.

Modi will address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, during his visit, which is expected to be significant given the shift in India’s policy towards Israel under the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Source: Al Jazeera