How could the expanded trade ties between India and Israel affect Narendra Modi?
New trade deal strengthens Modi's strategic alignment with Israel The trade deal signed by Bezalel Smotrich in New Delhi reinforces the deepening strategic and economic relationship between India and Israel. This alignment is viewed by analysts as a key component of Narendra Modi's political calculus, which has seen the relationship shift from being historically cautious to much more open since 2014. The strengthening ties help boost Modi's image as an international statesman, a trend that was already evident when he visited Israel in February this year.
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How it reaches Narendra Modi
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Bezalel Smotrich signed a trade deal in New Delhi, expanding economic ties between Israel and India. Smotrich, Israel’s finance minister, visited India in September 2025. During his trip, he also visited the stock exchange in Mumbai and traveled to an investment hub in Gujarat.
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The deepening relationship, symbolized by the trade deal, aligns with Narendra Modi's political strategy. Analysts note that this shift is linked to his Hindu-first politics and the desire to enhance his image as an international statesman, a trend that has accelerated since 2014.
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- aljazeera.com Thursday
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Prime Minister of India since 2014
Everything about Narendra Modi
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- India's position toward Israel has shifted firmly since 2014, when Narendra Modi and his Hindu majoritarian Bharatiya Janata Party came to power.aljazeera.com
- The relationship between India and Israel has become a much more open relationship under PM Modi.aljazeera.com
- Modi's February visit to Israel was seen as almost a personal favour to Benjamin Netanyahu by boosting his image as an international statesman.aljazeera.com
- Modi’s BJP has roots in a philosophy, Hindutva, which seeks to transform India into a Hindu nation.aljazeera.com
Why it matters
The strengthening of ties is significant because it represents a major pivot in Indian foreign policy, moving away from historical stances that were often supportive of Palestine. This shift is deeply tied to the domestic political narrative of Narendra Modi's government, which links national security and international strength to its Hindu-first ideology.
This trend is occurring while many of Israel's closest European allies have imposed trade measures or sanctions against products from illegal Israeli settlements. India's embrace of Israel, manifested through economic deals, positions it as a key strategic partner for Israel in a region where Western diplomatic support is becoming more fractured.
What we don't know yet
- How will the trade deal specifically impact India's broader economic policy?
- Will the deepening relationship lead to more public criticism from within India regarding Israel's actions in Gaza?
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About Prime Minister
Given the strengthening strategic alignment, how does the role of the Prime Minister influence the pace and scope of future trade agreements?
Related on BrindChief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a proposal to name an airport after Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Explore Prime Minister -
About Amit Shah
Since the shift in foreign policy is tied to the domestic political narrative of Modi's government, how does the influence of figures like Amit Shah shape the implementation of these strategic alignments?
Related on BrindDiscussions chaired by Amit Shah led to new government initiatives in Delhi, spearheaded by CM Rekha Gupta and aligned with PM Modi's vision. Explore Amit Shah -
About Rahul Gandhi
How does the opposition, represented by figures like Rahul Gandhi, frame or challenge the narrative linking national security and international strength to the government's ideology?
Explore Rahul Gandhi
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Reporting
- aljazeera.comThursday
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