Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel for a high-stakes two-day visit, marking a significant deepening of ties between New Delhi and Tel Aviv. Welcomed at Ben Gurion Airport by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the visit comes as the United States amasses a massive naval presence in the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean, signaling potential strikes against Iran. The two leaders, who famously forged a personal bond during Modi’s historic 2017 visit, are expected to finalize major agreements in artificial intelligence and defense technology as Israel seeks to expand its military exports.
India’s Modi visits Israel as US-Iran tensions mount https://t.co/4KZkbdTWK5 https://t.co/4KZkbdTWK5
— Reuters (@Reuters) February 25, 2026
The timing of the visit is critical for India’s regional interests. A military conflict between the U.S. and Iran could trigger Iranian retaliation against Israel or Gulf Arab nations, where millions of Indian expatriates live and work. Analysts suggest that while Modi is keen to upgrade bilateral ties, he will likely reiterate India’s stance against regional escalation to protect its diaspora and energy security. During his visit, Modi is scheduled to address the Knesset and lay a wreath at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has described the partnership as part of a future “axis” of nations united against radicalism, specifically pointing to the “radical Shi’ite axis” led by Tehran. However, Indian experts maintain that New Delhi will resist joining a formal military alliance, preferring to maintain its traditional policy of non-alignment while securing advanced Israeli defense hardware.
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