Modi is walking on a tightrope in the Middle East! Dangers of ‘Excessive’ Israel Closeness

The Iran-US conflict has created a war situation in the Middle East, i.e. West Asia. Israel-Hamas conflict has also been issued. In this situation, various speculations have been made in the diplomatic circles about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel. Like many, Modi’s visit is one of balance. The future direction of New Delhi’s equation with the rest of the West Asian countries will be determined from this visit. In that direction, New Delhi is practically walking on a thin thread. Because, on the one hand, the Modi government has to maintain smooth relations with Israel. On the other hand, New Delhi should also keep in mind that relations with other countries do not deteriorate due to excessive Israel proximity.

Modi arrived in Tel Aviv on a two-day visit on Wednesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself reached the airport to welcome him. After getting off the plane, he welcomed Modi with a hug. According to official sources, Modi-Netanyahu will have a meeting in Tel Aviv. After that the Prime Minister of India will leave for Jerusalem. Official sources said Prime Minister Modi’s visit will be important to strengthen strategic ties, defense, agriculture and counter-terrorism coordination between the two countries. This is his first visit to Israel after assuming office for the third term. In the extensive bilateral talks with Netanyahu, besides bilateral cooperation, the recent situation in West Asia will also come up in the discussion. Modi is also scheduled to give a speech in the parliament of that country.

Modi’s visit to Israel is important in many ways. Israel wants to surround West Asia. And they want India to help them in this effort. Netanyahu has also expressed that publicly. He said that the alliance that Israel is trying to build is called ‘hexagon’. Netanyahu wants to build a ‘power’ in and around West Asia that can counter extremist groups. According to many, the Prime Minister of Israel is seeking an alternative alliance to the ‘Islamic NATO’ that Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye are thinking of. However, no official statement has been made by India regarding this alliance.

According to diplomatic experts, there is no doubt that India would benefit from a military alliance with Israel. This alliance is also important for India in view of the military agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia last year. But at the same time, New Delhi has to keep in mind the issue of friendly relations with Iran. Apart from this, the Modi government must also be careful that relations with the Gulf countries do not deteriorate due to Israel’s closeness.