India and Israel Forge Closer Ties Amidst Shifting Global Alliances

A recent visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel has underscored a growing strategic and ideological alignment between the two nations, even as concerns mount over regional instability and democratic backsliding in both countries. The visit, occurring against the backdrop of heightened tensions between the U.S. And Iran, signals a potential reshaping of global political dynamics.

A Historical Shift in India-Israel Relations

Historically, India maintained a distance from Israel, largely due to its support for the Palestinian cause. As Christophe Jaffrelot, a leading India expert, wrote in The Wire, India’s early leaders favored a secular state in Palestine where Jewish minorities would be protected. This stance stemmed from the violent partition of India and Pakistan and the perceived dangers of ethno-nationalism.

However, under Prime Minister Modi, beginning in 2014, India has steadily strengthened its ties with Israel, focusing on shared interests, particularly in counterterrorism. This shift became more pronounced following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. While India attempted to remain neutral in the ensuing conflict in Gaza, its abstentions from key UN votes were widely interpreted as tacit support for Israel, as noted by Jaffrelot.

Defense Cooperation and Ideological Affinity

Modi’s February 25, 2026, visit culminated in an expansive defense cooperation agreement. India is now a significant purchaser of Israeli arms, accounting for roughly 46 percent of all foreign purchases, according to the Hindustan Times.

Beyond strategic interests, a growing ideological affinity connects the two countries. Both Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu espouse ethno-nationalist views, prioritizing the interests of their respective majority populations – Hindus in India and Jews in Israel. Both leaders have been accused of undermining democratic institutions and targeting minority groups. Modi, a proponent of Hindutva ideology, has been criticized for policies that marginalize India’s Muslim minority, while Netanyahu’s government has faced accusations of eroding the independence of the Israeli judiciary.

A “Nationalist International”?

The deepening India-Israel relationship is part of a broader trend of alignment among right-wing nationalist movements globally. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as a “nationalist international,” involves the sharing of knowledge and coordination of activities to challenge the existing liberal order. Unlike some other nationalist movements, the Israeli and Indian far-right nationalisms face few geographical or historical conflicts, allowing them to prioritize shared ideological interests.

As Channel NewsAsia reported, Modi, addressing the Israeli parliament (Knesset), stated that India stood with Israel “with full conviction” and shared its zero-tolerance policy for terrorism. Netanyahu reciprocated, highlighting the shared challenges faced by both nations in confronting “radical Islam.”

Implications for Global Politics

The strengthening India-Israel alliance reflects a potential shift in global politics, where concerns about human rights and international law may take a backseat to strategic and ideological considerations. This trend, enabled by a perceived weakening of the international order, could lead to a future where authoritarian regimes perceive emboldened to act on their impulses without fear of significant repercussions.

The visit and subsequent developments raise questions about the future of India’s foreign policy and its role in the Middle East. It similarly highlights the growing importance of understanding the ideological underpinnings of international relations in a rapidly changing world.