The Shift in India’s Foreign Policy: From Gandhi to Modi’s Embrace of Israel

Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, is set to make his second visit to Tel Aviv, a trip that solidifies a significant shift in New Delhi’s foreign policy and marks a departure from its longstanding support for Palestine. This transformation follows the tragic events in Gaza and illustrates a new alignment in India’s diplomatic relations.

Modi has frequently referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as his ‘dear friend,’ despite the International Criminal Court issuing an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in late 2024 on charges of genocide in Gaza. This relationship raises questions about ethical considerations in international diplomacy.

Indian diplomats and officials justify this pivot towards Israel as a ‘pragmatic approach.’ They argue that Israel’s advanced expertise in technology and military affairs presents numerous opportunities that India cannot afford to overlook. This perspective underscores a strategic realignment in India’s global partnerships.In September of the previous year India and Israel signed a bilateral investment treaty and are nearing the conclusion of negotiations for a free trade agreement. This growing economic collaboration signals a deepening of ties that could reshape regional dynamics and influence geopolitical strategies in the years to come.