Khaberni - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Israel today, Wednesday, on an official visit, his second since taking office in 2014, after his first visit in July 2017.
Modi said on the X platform: "I am visiting Israel today and tomorrow. Our countries share a strong, multifaceted strategic partnership, and relations have significantly strengthened in recent years."
He added that he will hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for committing war crimes in Gaza - and President Isaac Herzog, and will deliver a speech to the Knesset, alongside meeting the Indian community, which he described as having "made significant contributions to strengthening the friendship between India and Israel."
Modi's visit is expected to focus on enhancing defense cooperation and updating security agreements, in light of the growing military partnership between the two countries and Israel's aspiration to expand cooperation with India, one of the largest importers of Israeli defense technology.
Netanyahu anticipated the visit by praising his Indian counterpart, describing him as "a friend," stating that the visit represents an opportunity to "build new alliances" within the Middle East and its surroundings, and anticipating an update of security agreements to allow deeper cooperation in defense industries.
A notable shift in India's position
The visit comes in the context of a strategic shift in Indian policy toward Israel, as New Delhi, for decades a supporter of the Palestinian cause, did not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until 1992.
However, Modi's era witnessed a significant rapprochement with Tel Aviv, led by enhanced security and technology cooperation.
After the operation 'Torrent of Al-Aqsa' on October 7, 2023, Modi expressed his "shock" within hours, describing them as "terrorist attacks," affirming India's solidarity with Israel.
He reiterated the same stance during a call with Netanyahu on October 10.
On October 27, India abstained from voting at the United Nations in favor of a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, arguing that it "does not include an explicit condemnation of the attack on Israel."
