PM Modi’s Landmark Israel Visit to Boost Defence Partnership

From Caution to Strategic Partnership

India’s relationship with Israel has undergone a notable transformation over the past decade. Earlier governments maintained careful political distance due to sensitivities involving the Arab world and domestic considerations. However, the Modi government has effectively “de-hyphenated” India’s Israel policy from the Palestinian issue, allowing New Delhi to engage both the Arab nations and Israel on independent tracks.

Today, Israel is regarded in Indian strategic circles as a key defence partner, with military cooperation forming the backbone of the relationship.

תודה לך ידידי , ראש הממשלה נתניהו.

אני מסכים לחלוטין עם דבריך באשר לקשר העמוק בין הודו לישראל ולאופיים הרב־ממדי של יחסינו הדו־צדדיים. הודו מייחסת חשיבות רבה לידידות האיתנה והמתמשכת עם ישראל — ידידות המבוססת על אמון הדדי, חדשנות, ושאיפה משותפת לשלום, ולקדמה.

אני מצפה בכיליון… https://t.co/snGra7RB3g

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2026

Defence and Technology at the Core

Israel has emerged as one of India’s leading arms suppliers, and the partnership has evolved beyond a simple buyer-seller model toward joint development and co-production.

Sources indicate the upcoming talks will prioritise access to cutting-edge, battlefield-ready technologies—areas where Israel is known for rapid innovation and flexible collaboration.

Key focus areas are expected to include:

• Advanced drones and loitering munitions

• Precision strike and surveillance systems

• Smart border monitoring technologies

• Missile defence and electronic warfare suites

• AI-enabled combat platforms and cybersecurity tools

• Counter-drone capabilities

Strong Push for ‘Make in India’

A central objective of the visit is to align Israeli technological expertise with India’s domestic defence manufacturing ambitions. New Delhi is increasingly prioritising transfer of technology and joint production over outright imports.

India is particularly keen to study and replicate Israel’s integrated defence innovation model that brings together the military, startups, and research institutions into a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Visit Amid Regional Uncertainty

The high-level engagement comes against the backdrop of heightened instability in West Asia, including maritime security concerns in the Red Sea and ongoing regional tensions. In this environment, India sees Israel’s combat-proven systems and fast innovation cycle as valuable for strengthening its own security preparedness.

The visit is expected to further cement what both sides now describe as a mature, long-term strategic partnership.