What Netanyahu’s return means for India-Israel relations

“Mazel Tov my friend.” This is how Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Benjamin Netanyahu for his electoral success. Israel’s PM Yair Lapid on Thursday conceded defeat in the general elections and Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition of right-wing parties secured a comfortable majority in the parliament, the Knesset, to form the next government in the country.

With Netanyahu’s party Likud, also known as the ‘National Liberal Movement’, coming back to power, the political impasse plaguing the country comes to an end. And with this the geopolitical situation around the globe is set to change.

Netanyahu’s return to change the dynamics of geopolitics

After Netanyahu’s exit from the top chair, the geopolitical situations around Israel changed drastically. For the unversed, outgoing PM Yair Lapid had condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine and had softened his tone on the West Bank issue. Lapid had done everything required for being in the good books of Democrats.

On the contrary, Netanyahu is the man who hates Joe Biden. Israel and the US might have been allies, but the equations had changed as Netanyahu and Biden were not on the same page on several contentious issues. Netanyahu had even blasted Biden for pressuring him to stop attacking Gaza.

Last year, eight democrats had voted against funding for the replenishment of Israel’s anti-missile Iron Dome defence system. Further, the strained relationship is going to impact the working of I2U2 grouping that contains both Israel and the United States.

Also read: In a major setback to Pakistan and China’s schemes, India gears up defence against drone warfare with Israeli technology

India-Israel equations under Modi-Netanyahu

Irrespective of the state head, the relationship between India and Israel have continued well. However, with the return of Netanyahu the prospects are going to improve and his victory will facilitate an upward trajectory in Indo-Israel relations.

The chemistry between the two leaders, Benjamin Netanyahu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been a subject of discussions since 2017, and they have benefitted the bilateral relationship. Both the leaders follow ‘I for I’ which means India for Israel and Israel for India.

In the coming times, with the Netanyahu-Modi duo back, knowledge-based partnership is set to increase, which includes collaboration in innovation and research, including boosting the ‘Make in India’ initiative. India and Israel now have an extensive and comprehensive economic, military and political relationship.

Further, India seeks to buy Israel’s military hardware. In the recent past, under the duo’s leadership, Israel had supplied various weapon systems, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles to India. India had procured a number of weapons and ammunition, including Spike anti-tank guided missiles from Israel. The nations are also keen to collaborate in the production of key military equipment and development of futuristic technologies for the armed forces.

Also read: India to convert 150 villages into Centres of Excellence with the help of Israel

India gains a stronger ally in the Middle East

India had recognised Israel way back in 1950. However, India maintained a balance with which it approached the nation, owing to the Israel-Palestine conflict. There were reasons why despite recognising it as a nation, none of Indian state heads have ever visited Israel before 2017, when PM Modi first visited the country.

There were two reasons why Indian governments stayed away from Israel. First reason being domestic – appeasement to the minorities. The second being that maintaining diplomatic relations with Palestine. It was a necessity as it was supported by the Arab countries, the oil exporters to India. However, this never reaped any benefits for India as the Arab world sided with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.

Now, with Netanyahu, who had promised an unconditional support to India on the issue of Kashmir and hard stance against terrorism, India has secured a stronger ally in the middle east. An ally that has the potential to counter balance the Arab world in the times of need.