How Gaza War Accelerated India's Strategic Shift Toward Israel Under Modi

How Defense Ties Have Deepened Amid Regional Turmoil

As traditional allies of Israel distance themselves from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid the Gaza conflict, India under Narendra Modi has deepened its strategic alignment with Israel. This shift marks a notable evolution in India’s foreign policy, moving from historical non-alignment toward a more defined partnership with Israel, particularly in defense and technology sectors. The Gaza war has acted as a catalyst, prompting New Delhi to reassess its regional engagements and strengthen ties with Jerusalem despite growing international criticism of Israel’s military actions.

India’s rapprochement with Israel has been building over the past decade, driven by shared concerns over terrorism, defense cooperation, and technological collaboration. Modi’s government has prioritized strategic autonomy, seeking partnerships that enhance India’s security capabilities without entanglement in bloc politics. The Gaza war intensified this trajectory, as India avoided joining widespread condemnations of Israel in multilateral forums, instead emphasizing dialogue and humanitarian concerns while maintaining defense ties. Analysts note that India’s balancing act reflects its desire to benefit from Israeli expertise in areas like surveillance, drone technology, and cybersecurity, even as it calls for restraint in Gaza.

What Risks Does India Face in Sustaining This Alignment?

Defense procurement between India and Israel has seen consistent growth, with India remaining one of Israel’s largest arms customers. Recent deals include advanced missile systems, radar technology, and unmanned aerial vehicles. During the Gaza war, India continued to engage in defense dialogues, refraining from suspending ongoing contracts despite global pressure. Officials in New Delhi have stressed that defense cooperation is based on professional military-to-military relations, separate from political judgments on conflicts. This approach has allowed India to maintain access to critical defense innovations while navigating diplomatic sensitivities in the Muslim world.

India’s continued engagement with Israel carries potential reputational costs, especially among its domestic Muslim population and in countries across the Middle East and Southeast Asia where public opinion strongly opposes Israel’s actions in Gaza. There is also concern that perceived proximity to Israel could complicate India’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause, a cornerstone of its foreign policy since independence. However, Modi’s government argues that humanitarian concern for Palestinians does not preclude strategic cooperation with Israel, insisting that India can uphold both positions simultaneously through principled diplomacy.

Has India officially endorsed Israel’s actions in Gaza? No, India has called for restraint and protection of civilians while avoiding direct condemnation of Israel, emphasizing the need for peace talks and humanitarian access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is defense cooperation with Israel important for India? Israel provides advanced defense technology that India seeks to modernize its military, particularly in areas like missile defense, surveillance, and drone systems where indigenous capabilities are still developing.

Does India’s shift affect its relations with Arab nations? India maintains strong ties with Arab countries and balances its engagement with Israel by continuing to support Palestinian aspirations and engaging with Gulf states on trade and security.