Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday for a high-profile visit to Israel, receiving a red-carpet welcome from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The visit comes amid the ongoing war in Gaza and growing international scrutiny of Israel’s military actions.
This marks Modi’s second visit to Israel since 2017 and signals a further strengthening of direct strategic ties between the two countries. Political analysts say the trip highlights India’s increasingly explicit alignment with Israel at a time when Netanyahu faces diplomatic pressure and legal challenges abroad.
Ahead of Modi’s arrival, Netanyahu addressed his cabinet and proposed what he described as a “Hexagon of Alliances” — a six-nation strategic framework placing India at the center, alongside Greece, Cyprus, and several Arab, African, and Asian states. According to him, the aim is to counter what he termed the “radical Shia axis” and the “emerging radical Sunni axis.”
The statement comes amid shifting regional equations. In September 2025, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a strategic mutual defense agreement. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has emerged as one of Israel’s most vocal critics.
Defense Cooperation at the Core
Since Modi’s 2017 visit, India-Israel defense cooperation has expanded rapidly. India is currently one of Israel’s largest arms buyers. This time, discussions are reportedly centered on defense technology, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.
Reports suggest a confidential framework agreement could open the door for Israel to export previously restricted military technologies to India. Among the systems under discussion are the 100-kilowatt laser-based “Iron Beam” and joint production of the “Iron Dome” missile defense system.
Former Pakistani ambassador to the United States and the United Nations, Masood Khan, described the development as an indication of a deeper strategic arrangement. He suggested it could be viewed as a counterbalance to Pakistan’s recent defense agreement with Saudi Arabia.
Former ambassador to China, Masood Khalid, expressed concern over Israel’s drone technology, reportedly used during the brief four-day India-Pakistan aerial conflict in May 2025. He noted that expanding cooperation in counterterrorism, cyber capabilities, and AI could further alter the regional security balance.
A Two-Way Strategic Relationship
The relationship is not one-sided. International investigations have indicated that during the 2024 Gaza conflict, Indian arms manufacturers supplied rockets and explosives to Israel. Analysts argue that both countries, facing international criticism, are becoming increasingly dependent on each other strategically.
Although Netanyahu’s proposed alliance structure remains unclear, Israeli officials believe recent military operations against Iran-aligned groups have weakened the so-called Shia axis. Debate continues over which countries constitute the “emerging Sunni axis,” with some analysts suggesting closer ties among Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan may be relevant.
Pakistan, as the only nuclear-armed state in the Muslim world, remains a sensitive issue in Israeli strategic thinking. However, Turkish-based analyst Gokhan Ereli argues that Pakistan is not a direct target but may feel indirect pressure due to growing India-Israel-West alignment.
Implications for Pakistan
For Pakistan, the Gulf region presents a complex challenge. Its economy relies heavily on financial assistance and remittances from Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. While Pakistan strengthened defense ties with Riyadh in 2025 and is exploring closer cooperation with Turkey, the UAE signed a strategic agreement with India in January 2026, adding another dimension to the regional equation.
Pakistani diplomats emphasize expanding economic connectivity with Central Asia, Turkey, Iran, and Russia as part of a broader geo-economic strategy. Islamabad has also maintained that diplomatic solutions are essential regarding tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Both India and Israel frequently frame their security policies around combating “Islamist extremism,” with New Delhi continuing to accuse Pakistan of supporting cross-border militancy — allegations Islamabad denies.
Overall, Modi’s Israel visit extends beyond bilateral diplomacy. It raises broader strategic questions for South Asia and the Middle East. While experts differ on whether it poses a direct threat to Pakistan, there is little doubt that shifting alliances and intensified strategic cooperation are accelerating a regional power realignment.
