Implications of Indian PM Modi’s Visit to Israel for Pakistan’s National Security
As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on his second visit to Israel, the geopolitical implications of this trip resonate beyond mere diplomatic gestures. His arrival, met with a ceremonious welcome by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, underscores an evolving partnership that could shift the strategic landscape in South Asia and the Middle East. This burgeoning alliance highlights India’s commitment to a multifaceted relationship with Israel at a time when regional dynamics are rapidly changing, particularly in the context of Pakistan’s alliances with Gulf nations.
Islamabad, Pakistan – When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stepped off the plane in Tel Aviv for his second visit to Israel on Wednesday, it marked the first instance of an Indian premier making such a trip since his own landmark visit in 2017. The symbolism of this visit was unmistakable, as he received a red-carpet welcome from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli leader is grappling with an International Criminal Court arrest warrant while managing a conflict in Gaza that has drawn widespread international scrutiny. Modi’s visit, however, signals a resolute endorsement of India’s deepening ties with Israel, showing a clear intent to reinforce this strategic relationship.
Days prior to Modi’s arrival, Netanyahu announced a “hexagon of alliances,” a proposed regional framework spotlighting India at its center, alongside Greece, Cyprus, and other Arab, African, and Asian nations. This initiative is purportedly designed to counter what Netanyahu terms “radical axes,” including both Shiite and Sunni movements. The alignment of Pakistan, which recently formalized a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia, with these Sunni-majority states reveals a shifting landscape in the Middle East where Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is also a vocal critic of Israeli policies.
Analysts suggest that India’s increasingly aligned stance with Israel will likely reshape Islamabad’s strategic calculations amid an already volatile geopolitical climate. Since Modi’s initial visit in 2017, the India-Israel partnership has rapidly advanced, making India Israel’s largest arms customer. The discussions during Modi’s current trip encompass a range of sectors, including defense, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.
A highly classified framework is anticipated to facilitate the exportation of previously restricted military technologies from Israel to India. Reports indicate that systems such as the advanced Iron Beam defense technology may soon become a part of this partnership, alongside potential cooperation on the Iron Dome missile defense systems, aimed at local manufacturing.
For Masood Khan, a former Pakistani ambassador to the U.S. and United Nations, Modi’s visit represents a pivotal moment for regional security dynamics. He cautioned that the anticipated strategic agreements between India and Israel might closely mirror those that Pakistan has recently established with Saudi Arabia. Indeed, these developments signify a potential shift towards more intricate military ties in the region.
India’s defense cooperation with Israel has evolved into a mutual relationship. Recent conflicts have seen Indian arms being supplied to Israel, further binding the two nations together strategically. Umer Karim, a researcher from the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Riyadh, noted that the partnership grows more critical as both governments face international criticism for their actions, reinforcing their diplomatic bonds during challenging times.
Netanyahu’s hexagon concept, while currently vague, aims to solidify Israel’s standing while undermining what he postulated as the “Shia axis.” However, analysts suggest that the “emerging radical Sunni axis” remains less distinctly defined. There is speculation that this could refer to nations and entities with Islamic political affiliations critical of Israeli policies, such as Turkey and other countries strengthening security ties with Riyadh and Ankara.
The Gulf remains a complex arena for Pakistan as it balances its historical reliance on Gulf nations for economic support against the backdrop of evolving alliances. The signing of a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia in September 2025 marked a significant step in this direction. Yet, developments such as the United Arab Emirates’ strategic agreement with India complicate this bilateral dynamic.
Khalid emphasized the importance of deeper economic integration with Gulf countries, advocating for enhanced regional cooperation with Central Asian nations, Turkey, and Iran. The evolving dynamics in the region have prompted Pakistan to advocate for diplomatic solutions amid rising tensions, particularly around Iran’s influence and resentments stemming from U.S.-Israeli relations.
In conclusion, the burgeoning relationship between India and Israel poses new challenges and opportunities for Pakistan as its policymakers strive to fortify ties with their Gulf partners. While Modi and Netanyahu promote a shared narrative of countering “Islamic radicalism,” Islamabad must navigate these shifts carefully to assert its strategic relevance in a landscape that is continuously evolving.
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