Netanyahu and Modi’s unlikely alliance: ‘Defence is absolutely the critical driver’

An unlikely alliance has blossomed between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, built on a shared narrative of fighting terrorism and a vision of their nations as homelands for their respective religious majorities.

This bond was starkly evident when Modi was among the first world leaders to call Netanyahu after the Hamas attacks in October 2023, expressing solidarity with Israel. The relationship spans intelligence sharing, significant arms sales, joint weapons development, and growing trade and cultural ties.

Diplomats note that Modi and Netanyahu speak regularly and understand each other well. Modi's visit to Israel preceded Netanyahu's strike on Iran, and following the strikes, Modi called for peace without condemning the action. Israel's ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, describes their approach as embracing nationalism and identity in a world moving towards universalism.

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In a world that was going towards universalism and post-national institutions, Modi and Netanyahu were different ... not just embracing nationalism but embracing identity.

This closeness stands in contrast to Israel's growing international isolation, particularly among Western allies, due to its actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Netanyahu faces potential arrest warrants and criticism even from allies like Donald Trump. Meanwhile, in India, the perspective, according to Prof. Sreeram Sundar Chaulia, is that Israel is defending against radical Islam, an ideology with which many in India feel an affinity.

Critics, however, argue that both leaders share authoritarian tendencies. They point to an intensified hostility towards Muslim and Christian minorities, the erosion of independent institutions, and restrictions on foreign NGOs under their respective governments.

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Mr Modi and his followers ... believe that Israel is standing up to an evil force in the world, which is radical Islam and we all need to also fight radical Islam. There’s an ideological affinity.