India’s relationship with Israel is once again in the spotlight as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Tel Aviv, his first trip since his historic 2017 visit. The visit comes at a time of heightened tensions in West Asia, including instability in Gaza and rising concerns about Iran. The trip underscores how a once-cautious diplomatic relationship has evolved into a key strategic partnership with implications far beyond the region.
For Canadian readers, the situation mirrors the way middle powers such as Canada balance economic, security and diplomatic interests in volatile regions while maintaining relationships with multiple competing partners.
A Long Road to Full Diplomatic Relations
Early recognition, cautious engagement
India recognized Israel shortly after its creation in 1948. However, full diplomatic relations did not begin until January 29, 1992 — more than four decades later.
The delay reflected India’s domestic political considerations and its support for Palestinian statehood, as well as broader geopolitical dynamics during the Cold War.
The turning point came during a visit by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, when Indian Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao indicated that formal ties with Israel could strengthen India’s diplomatic influence. Arafat accepted India’s sovereign decision, clearing the path for formal relations.
Defence Cooperation Becomes a Cornerstone
Military support builds trust
Security cooperation has played a central role in strengthening ties.
Israel provided weapons to India during its 1962 war with China. Later, during the 1999 Kargil conflict with Pakistan, Israel quickly supplied precision-guided munitions to the Indian Air Force, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable defence partner.
Today, Israel ranks among India’s most important defence suppliers, similar to how Canada maintains close defence procurement relationships with trusted allies such as the United States.
Political Ties Expand in the 2000s
Diplomatic engagement increased significantly in the early 2000s.
Senior Indian ministers, including External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh and Home Minister L.K. Advani, visited Israel in 2000. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s visit to India in 2003 further deepened cooperation, particularly in defence and security.
Publicly, discussions often emphasized agriculture, science and trade, while defence ties remained less visible.
Modi Era Brings Partnership Into the Open
High-level visits reshape the relationship
Since taking office in 2014, Narendra Modi has made Israel a more prominent part of India’s foreign policy.
His 2017 visit marked a historic first for an Indian prime minister and signalled a more independent diplomatic approach by skipping the traditional visit to Palestine.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited India in 2018, and the two leaders have remained in regular contact.
The increased political engagement reflects a broader shift toward open strategic alignment.
Trade, Technology and Economic Links Grow
Beyond defence, cooperation now spans multiple sectors critical to modern economies.
Key areas include:
- Artificial intelligence and advanced technology
- Cybersecurity
- Agriculture and water management
- Defence manufacturing
- Proposed free trade agreement negotiations
Israel is also an important partner in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, a major trade route initiative designed to improve connectivity between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
For export-driven economies like Canada, such corridors highlight the growing importance of diversified trade routes.
Visit Comes Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Gaza conflict remains fragile
The visit takes place during an uneasy ceasefire following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which triggered a prolonged war in Gaza.
The ceasefire, supported by the United States, remains fragile, with unresolved issues including Hamas’s future role.
Iran tensions add further uncertainty
Regional instability has intensified following a 12-day Israel-Iran conflict in June 2025, during which U.S. forces struck Iranian nuclear facilities.
The United States has since increased its military presence, raising fears of broader escalation.
These tensions complicate India’s diplomatic balancing act, as Iran remains an important economic and strategic partner for New Delhi.
Strategic Importance for India
Israel now plays several critical roles in India’s global strategy:
- A key defence and intelligence partner
- A growing economic and technology partner
- An important player in West Asia’s evolving political landscape
At the same time, India must manage its relationships with other regional powers that are closely monitoring its ties with Israel.
Conclusion: A Mature Strategic Relationship Facing New Tests
Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel highlights the transformation of India-Israel relations from cautious diplomacy to an open strategic partnership.
However, the trip also reflects the complexity of modern geopolitics. Like Canada and other middle powers, India must carefully balance its economic interests, defence needs and diplomatic relationships in a region marked by uncertainty.
As tensions persist across West Asia, India’s approach to Israel will remain a key indicator of its broader global ambitions.
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