Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to depart for Israel on Wednesday, February 25, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations. According to official statements, this visit is intended to solidify the deep-rooted strategic partnership and provide a platform to review common global challenges. The meeting between the two heads of state is expected to focus on a shared vision for a strong partnership between two of the world's leading democracies, emphasizing long-term security and economic cooperation. Strategists believe this visit will go beyond mere formality and prove decisive in the realm of defense and strategic collaboration.
The Proposed Hexagon Alliance Framework
A central highlight of the upcoming visit is the discussion surrounding the 'Hexagon Alliance,' a strategic concept proposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to diplomatic sources, this proposed group consists of six nations: Israel, India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Greece, Cyprus, and the United States. In this strategic architecture, Israel is envisioned as the hub for technology and defense innovation, while India is positioned as a dominant power in the Indian Ocean and a vital link in Indo-Abrahamic cooperation. The alliance seeks to create a comprehensive political and economic structure spanning from West Asia to Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. Officials indicate that this proposal will be a key agenda item during the high-level talks.
Strategic Defense Cooperation and Technology
Experts suggest that during this visit, Israel may offer India access to advanced defense technologies that have not been shared with any other nation previously. The defense relationship between India and Israel has strengthened Notably over the past decades, with India being a major recipient of Israeli defense exports. Discussions are expected to cover cooperation in drone technology, missile defense systems, and cybersecurity, while according to strategists, Israel is also considering technology transfers under the 'Make in India' initiative to bolster India's domestic defense manufacturing capabilities, ensuring a more resilient supply chain for critical military hardware.
Integration of Indo-Abrahamic Cooperation
The existing I2U2 framework, comprising India, Israel, the UAE, and the USA, already focuses on economic and technological cooperation. Netanyahu's proposed Hexagon Alliance is seen as an expansion of this framework. By including Greece and Cyprus, the alliance aims to maintain security and energy balance in the Eastern Mediterranean. Greece serves as a strategic European ally for Israel, while Cyprus plays a crucial role in energy and naval dynamics. For India, participation in such an alliance could facilitate greater strategic reach into the Mediterranean, aligning with its broader global interests and maritime security objectives.
Geopolitical Implications for India
Prime Minister Modi's visit occurs against the backdrop of shifting global geopolitical dynamics. Amidst ongoing tensions in West Asia, Israel views the support of a major democracy like India as strategically vital. According to analysts, India's involvement in the proposed alliance would represent a significant diplomatic achievement for Israel. While India has not yet issued an official response to the Hexagon proposal, experts believe the visit will allow India to explore new avenues of cooperation while maintaining its strategic autonomy. This visit is also expected to provide fresh momentum to India's 'Act West' policy, further integrating its interests with those of key partners in the region.
Energy and Maritime Security Synergy
Energy security remains a cornerstone of the proposed alliance. The energy cooperation between Israel, Cyprus, and Greece could offer significant benefits to India. Ensuring maritime security from the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean is another primary objective of the proposed group. According to officials, issues such as piracy, counter-terrorism, and the protection of trade routes will be discussed, while the combination of India's naval capabilities and Israel's technological expertise could create a new security architecture in the region, providing a secure corridor for global trade and enhancing regional stability.