How Gaza war sped up India’s shift towards Israel under Modi

What happened: India welcomed Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich in September 2025 with a multi-city trip and a signed trade deal, even as the EU planned sanctions against him. Analysts say the Gaza war has accelerated India's shift toward Israel under Modi. Key numbers: Smotrich visited in September 2025. Modi visited Israel in February. Why it matters: Analysts link the deepening ties to Modi's domestic politics and a shared security outlook, while India has avoided concrete measures against Israel even as European allies act. India remains Israel's largest weapons buyer under Modi.

India welcomed Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich in September 2025 with a multi-city trip and a signed trade deal, even as the EU planned sanctions against him. Analysts say the Gaza war has accelerated India's shift toward Israel under Modi.

Analysts link the deepening ties to Modi's domestic politics and a shared security outlook, while India has avoided concrete measures against Israel even as European allies act. India remains Israel's largest weapons buyer under Modi.