• Modi visits Israel to enhance bilateral relations in defense and technology.
• The timing raises concerns amid mounting US-Iran tensions.
• India seeks to balance its growing ties with Israel and its relationships with other Middle Eastern nations.
• The visit highlights India's strategic priorities and evolving foreign policy under Modi.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced a two-day visit to Israel, marking his first trip since the onset of the Gaza conflict. He aims to upgrade bilateral relations specifically in areas such as defense, technology, and trade, which have expanded significantly since he took office in 2014. Modi is scheduled to address the Knesset and hold meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, while notable absentee from his agenda are Palestinian leaders, according to BBC and Reuters.

During his visit, Modi and Netanyahu are anticipated to discuss several strategic matters, including cooperation in artificial intelligence and military collaboration, particularly as the region faces growing threats of conflict following heightened US-Iran tensions. Modi's previous visit in 2017 is remembered as a historic moment that significantly transformed India-Israel relations, reinforcing their mutual interests amid a changing geopolitical landscape, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.

The backdrop of Modi's visit is marked by a complex environment where India must navigate its longstanding relationships with various Middle Eastern countries, maintaining a delicate balance between its growing ties with Israel and its historical support for Palestine. Analysts suggest that India's approach will be cautious, focusing primarily on bilateral engagement, rather than formal alliances, as India has traditionally favored a non-aligned stance in international politics, according to BBC and Reuters.

As tensions rise with the United States threatening military action against Iran, Modi's visit serves as a critical moment for India to reaffirm its strategic goals in the Middle East. The U.S. military presence in the region, coupled with concerns surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions, adds a layer of complexity as Indian leaders seek stability for their national interests, particularly related to energy security and regional connectivity, according to Al Jazeera and BBC.

Netanyahu has characterized this visit as an opportunity to form a "powerful alliance" that can confront both radical Shi'ite and Sunni influences in the region, hinting at plans for collaborative security arrangements. Modi's strong emphasis on India's enduring friendship with Israel underscores a commitment to innovation and shared values, while his visit is also scrutinized for its potential to evoke mixed reactions domestically and internationally, particularly given India's historical stance on Palestinian statehood, according to BBC and Reuters.