As the international community increasingly ostracises Israel, the country is turning to an unlikely ally: India. New Delhi and Tel Aviv have strengthened their ties in recent years, with cooperation in areas such as military technology, space exploration, and cultural exchanges.
The relationship between Modi and Netanyahu has been instrumental in fostering this alliance, with the two leaders signing numerous agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) during high-profile visits. One notable example is the joint development of drones, with Israeli company Elbit Systems partnering with Indian firm Adani Defence to create advanced surveillance drones.
Furthermore, the two nations have also come together to unveil statues in each other's capitals. Last year, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled in Tel Aviv, while a statue of Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion was unveiled in New Delhi. These symbolic gestures have helped to further cement the ties between the two nations.
Experts believe that India's growing economic and military capabilities have made it an attractive partner for Israel, which is facing increasing isolation on the global stage. 'India is a significant player in the global economy, and Israel is seeking to diversify its relationships and reduce its dependence on traditional allies like the US,' said Dr. Arvind Gupta, a leading expert on India-Israel relations.
The UK Government has yet to comment on the growing alliance between India and Israel, but Foreign Office officials have urged British nationals to exercise caution when travelling to the region due to heightened tensions. 'We advise British nationals to stay up-to-date with local news and follow the advice of local authorities,' a Foreign Office spokesperson said.
In terms of trade implications, the strengthening of ties between India and Israel is likely to have a significant impact on the global market. India is a major consumer of Israeli defence technology, and the two nations are expected to increase their trade volumes in the coming years.