Deep Dive: Article Claims Narendra Modi is India's Most Pro-Israel Leader Amid Deepening Ties with Netanyahu

The article highlights Narendra Modi's visit to Israel as a pinnacle of historically deepening bilateral relations that began intensifying since his 2014 ascension to power. Through the lenses of geopolitics, this partnership reflects converging strategic interests between two nations facing regional security challenges—India with Pakistan and China, Israel with its neighbors—fostering defense, technology, and intelligence cooperation. The shared worldview of populist leadership and ethno-religious nationalism binds Modi and Netanyahu personally, positioning India as Israel's closest ally in South Asia, a region traditionally sympathetic to Palestine. Historically, India-Israel ties evolved from India's initial non-aligned stance and recognition of Palestine, shifting post-Cold War towards pragmatic alignment driven by mutual needs in counter-terrorism and arms trade. Culturally, Modi's promotion of Hindu nationalism parallels Israel's identity as a Jewish state, with both leaders leveraging 'war on terror' rhetoric—Modi in Kashmir, Netanyahu against Hamas. Regionally, this axis challenges Arab states and Pakistan, altering South Asian and Middle Eastern power dynamics by sidelining traditional Muslim solidarity. Cross-border implications extend to global arenas: India's pro-Israel shift dilutes its Global South leadership on Palestine, affecting relations with Iran, Turkey, and Gulf states reliant on Indian labor. For the West, it bolsters a democratic counterweight to China and radical Islamism, while for Russia—India's old ally—it complicates multipolar balances. Stakeholders include Hindu nationalists in India gaining ideological validation, Israeli defense firms accessing vast markets, and Palestinians facing diplomatic isolation as India abstains or supports Israel in UN votes. Looking ahead, this 'deepest ever' bond under Modi-Netanyahu could solidify amid ongoing Gaza conflict and India's rising global heft, but risks backlash from India's 200 million Muslims and international human rights scrutiny. Nuanced tensions persist: economic ties with Gulf monarchies temper full alignment, ensuring India balances pro-Israel stance without alienating oil suppliers or Islamic Forum members.