Indias Relations with Israel and Palestine Timeline Announced During Modi Visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Set to Visit Israel on February 25

India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is scheduled to embark on a two-day visit to Israel on February 25, marking the ninth year since his first trip to the country. The visit comes ahead of India’s condemnation of Israel’s de facto expansion in the occupied West Bank, alongside over 100 other nations.

Modi’s previous visit to Israel in 2017 was the first by an Indian prime minister, and it has been reported that he will discuss various areas of cooperation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders are expected to engage on defence, security, trade, and technology matters.

India’s ties with Israel have undergone significant evolution over the years. During the British colonial era, India identified strongly with the Palestinian struggle for independence. Mahatma Gandhi, a prominent Indian leader, expressed support for Palestine in his writings, stating that it belonged to the Arabs.

In 1947, India voted against the United Nations Partition Plan of Palestine, which led to the establishment of Israel and the state of Palestine. India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, advocated for a single federated state with autonomy for regions where Jews and Arabs were in majority.

India has maintained its stance on Palestinian independence and sovereignty since then. In 1949, India voted against Israel’s UN membership. However, the two countries have strengthened their ties in recent years, particularly in areas such as defence, security, trade, and technology.

Modi’s visit to Israel is significant, given that few Global South leaders have visited Netanyahu since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The visit will provide an opportunity for Modi and Netanyahu to discuss cooperation in various fields.

Source: Al Jazeera