Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel this week, with both leaders highlighting a deepening partnership aimed at countering regional threats.
INDIAN Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced. Netanyahu framed the trip as a step towards forging a new regional alliance against common “radical” adversaries.
Modi is scheduled to deliver a speech to the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. Netanyahu said the visit would further tighten the growing fabric of relations between the two nations.
“The fabric of relations has grown tighter, and (Modi) is coming here so that we can tighten it even more,” Netanyahu told his cabinet. He highlighted expanding cooperation in economic, diplomatic and security spheres.
This marks Modi’s second visit to Israel as prime minister, following a historic trip in 2017. Netanyahu made a reciprocal visit to India the following year.
Netanyahu outlined a vision for a broader “hexagon” of alliances involving India, Arab nations, African states, Mediterranean countries like Greece and Cyprus, and other Asian nations. He said the axis is intended to counter both “the radical Shiite axis” and an “emerging radical Sunni axis.”
“All of these nations share a different perception, and our cooperation can yield great results and, of course, ensure our resilience and our future,” Netanyahu stated. He promised to elaborate on the plan in the future.
In a post on social media platform X, Modi said he was “looking forward” to the discussions. “India deeply values the enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation and a shared commitment to peace and progress,” he wrote.
The visit occurs against a backdrop of regional conflict. Israel has been engaged in a war in Gaza since Hamas’s October 7, 2023 assault.
It has also fought Iran-backed Shiite groups in the region. A direct confrontation between Israel and Iran occurred last June in a 12-day war targeting Tehran’s nuclear and missile facilities.
The Sun Malaysia
