Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and emotional welcome in Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, as he spoke about the deepening partnership between India and Israel and called for stronger cooperation on major regional projects, according to Al Jazeera News.
Addressing lawmakers in Jerusalem on the first day of his two day visit, Modi reflected on the growing ties between the two nations, which have expanded rapidly since he took office in 2014. He emphasized shared economic goals and highlighted new multinational initiatives, including the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 partnership, as symbols of a changing geopolitical landscape.
Modi began his speech by expressing solidarity with Israel after the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas, which triggered Israel’s devastating war in Gaza. “We feel your pain. We share your grief,” he told the chamber, describing India and Israel as “trusted partners” working together for global stability and prosperity. Lawmakers responded with applause, while Modi greeted them with a traditional namaste.
He also spoke about the long history of Jewish communities in India and the steady rise of diplomatic ties since India formally recognized Israel in 1950. Full diplomatic relations began only in 1992, but cooperation has accelerated in recent years. Trade between the two countries has grown from about $200 million in 1992 to roughly $6.5 billion in 2024, making India one of Israel’s largest Asian trading partners.
Central to Modi’s message were two major collaborative frameworks: IMEC and I2U2.
The IMEC project, announced during the 2023 G20 summit in New Delhi, envisions a vast transport and trade corridor linking India with the Middle East and Europe through railways, ports, and shipping routes. The network would pass through the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel before reaching Europe. Supporters say it could transform global trade by creating faster and more sustainable connections between Asia and Europe while boosting economic cooperation across the region.
The I2U2 grouping, made up of India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States was launched in 2022 to promote joint projects in areas such as food security, renewable energy, transportation, technology, and health. Some analysts describe it as a “West Asian Quad,” linking South Asia, the Gulf, and the United States through economic and technological partnerships. Projects already include renewable energy initiatives in India’s Gujarat state and agricultural cooperation programs.
Experts say these initiatives reflect a broader shift in regional alliances. According to analysts, India is positioning itself as a central connector between the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, while Gulf states see opportunities to expand beyond oil-based economies and become global logistics hubs.
However, the political environment surrounding these projects remains complex. Modi’s visit comes amid rising tensions across the Middle East and evolving diplomatic balances. India recently joined more than 100 countries in criticizing Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, a move that highlighted the delicate balance New Delhi maintains between its strategic partnership with Israel and its historical support for Palestinian aspirations.
At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed forming a new regional alliance including Israel, India, Greece, Cyprus, and other partners to counter what he describes as hostile regional forces. No country has formally endorsed the idea so far.
Wider regional tensions also cast a shadow. Confrontation between the United States and Iran has intensified, raising fears that Israel could become directly involved in any escalation.
Against this unsettled backdrop, Modi’s address underscored a clear message; India and Israel see their partnership not only as bilateral, but as part of a larger network of economic corridors and strategic cooperation shaping the future of the region.__Photo Courtesy X (Twitter)
