From Hesitation to Embrace
How ideology, innovation, and strategic interests turned an unlikely alliance into one of the most significant diplomatic shifts of the decade
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has undergone a profound diplomatic transformation—none more striking than its evolving relationship with Israel. Once cautious and balanced in its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, India has, over the past decade, emerged as a distinctly pro-Israel voice on the global stage. Yet, in a masterclass of geopolitical balancing, it has done so without alienating the Arab world.
This shift isn’t just symbolic—it marks one of the most surprising diplomatic realignments of the 21st century, rooted in a potent mix of ideology, security, and innovation.
A Strategic Revolution
Since Modi’s rise to power in 2014, India has redefined its ties with Israel, elevating them into one of its most vital strategic partnerships. For a country that long championed the Palestinian cause and prided itself on leading the Non-Aligned Movement, this pivot represents a bold reimagining of its global identity.
Gone are the days of quiet, behind-the-scenes cooperation. Today, the world sees smiling images of Modi and Netanyahu strolling side-by-side along the Mediterranean, but behind the photo-ops lies a dense infrastructure of shared interests: intelligence, defense, agriculture, cybersecurity, and a mutual perception of Islamic terrorism as a common threat.
A Visit That Changed Everything
One of the clearest milestones in this relationship was Modi’s historic 2017 visit to Israel—the first ever by an Indian prime minister. Unlike his predecessors, who balanced such visits with stops in Ramallah, Modi made a deliberate choice to "decouple" the two tracks, referring to India’s friendship with Israel as a “natural partnership.” The message was clear: India was charting a new, unapologetic course.
Israel as a Key Defense Partner
Modi's strategy isn’t just diplomatic—it’s deeply pragmatic. In an era where technological superiority is critical to defense, Israel has become a key supplier of advanced warfare systems for India. The cooperation spans unmanned vehicles, air defense systems, cyber-espionage technologies, and more—making Tel Aviv an indispensable partner in India's military modernization.
A Domestic Lens
Domestically, Modi’s Hindu nationalist BJP government has shown far less inclination to shape foreign policy around the sensitivities of India’s Muslim minority—particularly when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian issue. This ideological shift has given India greater freedom to craft an independent foreign policy, more in line with its strategic and economic interests.
Balancing the Arab World
Despite the dramatic embrace of Israel, Modi has not abandoned the Arab world. On the contrary, his foreign policy has been one of “smart balancing.” India continues to support the two-state solution in theory, and Modi did eventually visit Ramallah. Simultaneously, India signs military contracts with Israel, engages in joint technology ventures, and cooperates on protecting critical infrastructure.
This is not a temporary tactical shift—it’s a deep, long-term realignment that positions Israel as one of India’s closest allies outside of Asia.
Israel as a Model
The new India isn’t just importing Israeli tech—it’s also borrowing from Israel’s mindset. During the recent flare-ups with Pakistan, Indian commentators and officials repeatedly referenced Israel’s counterterrorism model. Calls to “act like Israel” in the face of terror threats were echoed across Indian media, reflecting not just admiration, but aspiration.
A New Foreign Policy Paradigm
India’s relationship with Israel under Modi exemplifies a broader evolution in its foreign policy: from a cautious, consensus-seeking player to a bold, globally engaged actor. It is no longer paralyzed by old taboos or ideological constraints. Instead, it seeks powerful, strategic alliances—even controversial ones—when they serve its national interests.
And in that vision, Israel is no longer a diplomatic liability. It’s a trusted partner.
The 4th India–Israel Conference, that will take place on May 29, 2025, at Bar-Ilan University, is an annual event brings together top academics, diplomats, and industry leaders to explore the evolving relationship between the two nations. The conference features panels on shared technological innovation, regional cooperation, and future business opportunities, and is organized in collaboration with Dangoor Education, the Multidisciplinary Studies Program at Bar-Ilan, and key economic partners.
Open to the public, the event offers a rare opportunity to engage with the strategic vision shaping India–Israel relations today.