Full Breakdown
India’s Accelerated Alignment with Israel Amid the Gaza War
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, New Delhi has deepened its partnership with Israel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on a multi-city tour that included a trade agreement in New Delhi, a visit to the Mumbai stock exchange and a stop in Gujarat’s new investment hub. Within weeks of the visit, India emerged as Israel’s largest weapons buyer, exporting arms while the Gaza conflict continued. The bilateral relationship, once largely covert, has become openly collaborative in defence, intelligence and trade.
Background & Context
For decades India championed the Palestinian cause, voting for the 1975 UN resolution that labelled Zionism a form of racism and recognising the Palestine Liberation Organization early on. Diplomatic ties with Israel were only established in 1992, and the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel did so in 2016. The rise of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014 marked a shift toward a Hindu-majoritarian outlook, aligning ideologically with Israel’s Zionist narrative. Analysts note that the October 7 attack provided a “political cover” for Modi to link Israel’s security challenges with India’s domestic anti-terrorism stance.
Timeline
- October 7, 2023 – Hamas attack on Israel; Modi condemns the “terrorist attack” and expresses shock.
- Later in 2025 – Smotrich’s India tour, culminating in trade and investment agreements.
- February 2026 – Modi visits Israel; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the Israeli parliament alongside Modi.
Data & Statistics
- India now purchases more Israeli defence equipment than any other country, making it Israel’s top weapons client.
- Export of Indian arms to Israel continued throughout the Gaza war, according to investigative reports.
Official Statements & Responses
During his February visit, Modi referenced the 2008 Mumbai attacks to underscore shared security concerns. Former diplomat Navdeep Suri warned that India should adopt more principled positions on settlement attacks, the use of force in Gaza and regional actions such as the strike on Iran, noting a “reluctance” to criticize Israel at multiple levels.
Criticism & Opposition
Political analyst Rasheed Kidwai argues that Modi’s Israel policy is an extension of the BJP’s domestic narrative, linking anti-Muslim sentiment in India with the framing of Israel as a victim of terrorism.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You are a great friend of Israel. You are more than a friend. You are a brother,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, from prime minister
- “Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards,” — Narendra Modi, indian prime minister
- “So it helps [in relationship with Israel],” — Rasheed Kidwai, a political analyst in New Delhi
- “That reluctance manifests in various aspects,” — Navdeep Suri
- “Modi’s party believes it stands to gain nothing from a pro-Palestine posture,” — Rasheed Kidwai, a political analyst in New Delhi