India and Israel Elevate Ties Amid Controversy
In a significant development, India and Israel pledged to strengthen their ties during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel, culminating in the signing of 16 agreements and the declaration of a special strategic partnership
between the two nations. However, the visit has sparked controversy at home and abroad, with critics arguing that it neglected the issue of Palestine and diminished India's moral standing.
A Historic Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Knesset on February 25, where he strongly condemned the October 7, 2023 terror attack by Hamas, describing it as a barbaric terrorist attack
. His visit was seen as a bid to deepen the Indian-Israeli bond, especially in the sphere of defense and trade. The pledge comes at a time when both countries are facing increasingly close alliances among their regional rivals.
A Special Strategic Partnership
India and Israel elevated their ties to 'special strategic partnership' status during Modi's visit. The two countries signed 16 new agreements spanning security, agriculture, water, development, and labor. This is an amazing visit. An amazing conclusion to an amazing visit,
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said alongside Modi. The future belongs to those who innovate, and Israel and India are bent on innovation. We are proud ancient civilizations, very proud of our past, but also absolutely determined to seize our future and we can do it better together,
he added.
Criticism and Controversy
Yet, the visit has drawn criticism from several quarters. Critics argue that Modi's silence on the issue of tensions with Iran, and on Israel's war on Gaza, represents a missed opportunity for de-escalation and negotiation. The opposition Congress party in India slammed Modi's address to the Israeli Parliament, recalling India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's stance on the creation of Israel, and argued that Modi's visit has diminished India's moral standing.
A Complex Consequence
Furthermore, Modi's visit was seen as a significant bilateral outreach to Israel, but a missed opportunity on Palestine. Critics argue that this might have complex consequences for India’s ties with West Asia.
Conclusion
While the visit has undoubtedly strengthened ties between India and Israel, it has also sparked a debate on India's foreign policy and its moral standing in the global arena. It remains to be seen how these developments will impact India's regional and international relationships in the long term.