Modi’s Israel Visit Signals Enduring Partnership Amid Gaza Conflict

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two-day state visit to Israel on Thursday, reaffirming India’s strong relationship with the country despite ongoing international scrutiny of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The visit, Modi’s first since the start of the conflict, underscored India’s commitment to its strategic partnership with Israel, focusing on defense, technology, and trade.

Modi Addresses the Knesset, Defends Israel

On Wednesday, Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Knesset, where he received a standing ovation. He defended Israel’s war in Gaza, stating India stands “firmly, with full conviction” with Israel. Modi condemned the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks as “barbaric,” asserting that “no cause can justify the murder of civilians.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reciprocated the sentiment, thanking India for its support and describing Modi as “more than a friend, a brother.” Netanyahu emphasized the shared interests and a “powerful alliance” between the two nations, highlighting collaboration on innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision. Al Jazeera reported on the exchange.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

The visit comes as both countries seek to deepen cooperation in key areas. India is Israel’s largest arms buyer, having spent $20.5 billion on Israeli weapons between 2020 and 2024. Trade between the two nations reached $3.9 billion in 2024, largely driven by defense and security collaborations. In September 2025, India and Israel signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty to further expand trade during a visit by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Modi highlighted the “synergy” between the two countries on artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and other emerging fields, expressing a commitment to further consolidate the relationship across various sectors. BBC News noted the growing ties since Modi came to power more than a decade ago.

Balancing Act and Criticism

Whereas reaffirming its commitment to Israel, Modi also stated that India supports the Gaza peace initiative approved by the UN Security Council in November, describing it as offering “a pathway” to a “just and durable peace.” However, the visit has drawn criticism, with some questioning India’s stance given the high death toll in Gaza – at least 72,073 Palestinians killed and 171,756 wounded as of February 26, 2026.

Imran Masood, a parliamentarian from India’s Congress party, urged Modi to address the situation in Gaza during his visit, stating, “if there is any morality then he should talk about death of children in Gaza,” according to Al Jazeera. Marian Alexander Baby, leader of the Communist Party of India, criticized Modi’s embrace of Israel as a “betrayal of India’s anti-colonial legacy.”

Geopolitical Implications

Analysts suggest Modi’s visit is a deliberate signal of India’s continued commitment to its partnership with Israel, even as it attempts to balance its priorities in the broader Middle East. Gideon Levy, a journalist with the Haaretz newspaper, told Al Jazeera that the visit is significant, particularly given critical public opinion towards Israel within India.

The visit underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play as India navigates its relationships in the Middle East, seeking to maintain strategic partnerships while also advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.