The geopolitical landscape is witnessing a significant shift as Israel emerges as one of India's most steadfast strategic allies, second only to Russia, while the personal camaraderie between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has catalyzed a transformation in bilateral ties, moving from a buyer-seller relationship to a deep-rooted strategic partnership. In a major development, PM Netanyahu has extended an official invitation to PM Modi to visit Israel, a move confirmed by the Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar.
A High-Profile Invitation and Diplomatic Preparations
Speaking on the sidelines of an event marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day in New Delhi, Ambassador Reuven Azar confirmed that the invitation has been formally extended. While the specific dates are yet to be finalized, the diplomatic machinery in both nations is working at full throttle to prepare for this landmark visit. This upcoming visit is expected to focus on high-end defense technology, agricultural. Innovation, and water management, further cementing the bond between the two 'start-up nations'.
Israel: The New Strategic Pillar for India
For decades, Russia has been India's primary defense supplier. However, in the last decade, Israel has rapidly ascended to become a critical pillar of India's national security architecture, while from providing state-of-the-art radar systems and drones to collaborating on missile technology like the Barak-8, Israel has proven to be a reliable partner that offers cutting-edge solutions without the political baggage often associated with other Western powers. This reliability has positioned Israel as India's strongest friend in the Middle East and beyond.
2025-2026: A Roadmap for Deep Cooperation
Ambassador Azar highlighted that 2025 has been an exceptionally productive year for Indo-Israeli relations. The year saw multiple ministerial-level interactions and the signing of a Bilateral Investment Treaty. Progress on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and financial protocols has also been significant. The focus for 2026 remains on strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation and expanding. The strategic partnership into new domains like cybersecurity and semiconductor manufacturing.
United Against Terror: From Pahalgam to October 7
The shared challenge of terrorism remains a cornerstone of the India-Israel relationship. India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri recently drew a poignant parallel between the terror attacks in Pahalgam and the horrific October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas. He emphasized that India, as a long-standing victim of cross-border terrorism, deeply empathizes with Israel's security concerns, while this mutual understanding of the threat posed by radical extremism has led to unprecedented levels of intelligence sharing and tactical cooperation between the two countries.
India: A Historical Sanctuary for the Jewish People
One of the most emotional aspects of the bilateral tie is the historical safety of the Jewish community in India. Ambassador Azar praised India's civilizational tradition of tolerance, noting that unlike in many other parts of the world, Jews in India never faced persecution. This historical bond provides a moral and cultural foundation to the modern strategic alliance. As the world remembers the victims of the Holocaust, the unique story of the Indian. Jewish community serves as a testament to the deep-rooted friendship between these two ancient civilizations.