Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Israel from 25 to 26 February 2026 stands as the most important diplomatic act of his entire time in office. Modi became the first Indian leader to speak at the Israeli Knesset during this visit which he used to strengthen defence and technology and trade relationships with Jerusalem. The current visit takes place during a period of increased tensions which involve the United States and Iran and various regional conflicts particularly those related to Gaza and the Iran-Israel confrontations.

India established its diplomatic relations with Middle Eastern countries through balanced diplomacy which involved maintaining close ties to Arab nations and supporting Palestinian statehood at international meetings while India secretly developed its defense partnership with Israel. The visit of Modi during increasing tensions between the United States and Iran which created a delicate situation in the region shows that India will now establish a more visible alliance with Israel.

India’s New Strategic Role

The visit serves diplomatic purposes, but it demonstrates India’s growth as a global power. India moved from its status as a non-aligned partner in West Asia to become an active strategic power that protects its security needs and technological goals and economic interests. The two leaders of India and Israel announced their new strategic partnership through a deal which included defense projects and artificial intelligence and cybersecurity and a potential free trade agreement. 

Jerusalem became one of Delhi’s main defense partners because Israel has been supplying India with advanced defense technologies since ancient times. The relationship has developed into co-development of advanced systems through joint production agreements and technology transfers, which now exceed basic buyer-seller relationships.

The strategic rationale for New Delhi is clear because Israel’s military capabilities........

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