Modi–Netanyahu Friendship Strengthens India–Israel Strategic Ties

India and Israel have entered a new strategic phase, driven largely by the personal rapport and political alignment between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Modi’s recent visit to Israel highlights how a relationship once defined by cautious diplomacy has transformed into an assertive, multidimensional partnership encompassing defence, technology, trade, and geopolitics. The leaders’ personal chemistry has accelerated cooperation and expanded the scope of bilateral engagement across multiple sectors.

For decades after independence, India maintained a cautious distance from Israel, aligning itself with the Palestinian cause and the broader Non-Aligned Movement consensus. Even after establishing formal diplomatic relations in 1992, interactions remained limited. The turning point came in 2014 when Modi assumed office. His historic visit to Israel in 2017 marked the first by an Indian prime minister and symbolized a decisive break from past hesitations. Netanyahu’s widely publicized visit to India in 2018 further solidified what both leaders began describing as a “strategic partnership.”

Defence cooperation now lies at the core of India–Israel ties. India has become one of Israel’s largest arms customers, procuring advanced missile systems, drones, radar technology, and surveillance equipment. Collaboration has expanded beyond hardware purchases to include intelligence sharing, counterterrorism training, and joint research initiatives. Both governments emphasize that their defence partnership addresses shared security challenges, including regional instability and threats from extremist violence.

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Tech and Innovation Drive India–Israel Economic Ties

Technology and innovation form the second major pillar of the relationship. Israel’s reputation as a global start-up hub complements India’s large-scale digital ambitions. Bilateral discussions increasingly focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, water management, and agricultural innovation. A new Bilateral Investment Treaty has replaced the 1996 agreement, providing stronger investor protection and encouraging two-way investment flows. Talks for a Free Trade Agreement are also progressing, signaling a shift from primarily defence-driven ties toward broader economic integration.

Trade between the two countries has expanded dramatically, growing from roughly $200 million in 1992 to over $6 billion today. India exports precious stones, chemicals, machinery, and fuel products, while Israel supplies high-tech equipment, defence systems, and advanced agricultural technologies. Both sides recognize untapped potential in infrastructure development, renewable energy, and innovation-driven manufacturing, which could further deepen economic engagement in the coming years.

Ideological and political alignment has also strengthened the partnership. Analysts note similarities between Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) vision of a civilizationally rooted India and Israel’s self-conception as a Jewish state. This convergence has fostered warmth between the leaderships, with Netanyahu frequently describing India as a key partner in building a bloc of nations committed to stability and technological advancement. Despite the regional complexities, including India’s longstanding ties with Arab states and Iran, New Delhi has calibrated its diplomacy to support Israel strategically while maintaining broader regional relationships.

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