WADING through crises of various magnitude on the geopolitical landscape whose contours are rapidly changing, the India-Israel partnership has remained extremely strong, weathering all the storms. Both the countries acknowledge each other’s strategic autonomy and right to defend itself by fully supporting each other. The bonhomie has gone up multiple notches and is set to get a new expression when Israel Prime Minister Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu launches a “hexagon” of alliances in and around the Middle-East region with the prominent presence of India in the grouping. The alliance is a vision of Mr. Netanyahu as he seeks the presence and guidance of his dear friend Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi in this ambitious endeavor. The “hexagon” alliance is a broader diplomatic architecture forming a geopolitical axis. As per Mr. Netanyahu’s initial sketch the alliance will comprise India, Arab nations, African countries, Greece, Cyprus and some Asian States.

 

The axis is likely to work more as a force against extremists disturbing peace in the region than being an economic corridor. Though there seems to be a link with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor to strengthen trade and infrastructure across regions, the Israel PM has chosen to call it a geopolitical necessity. What is of great interest for the world is the place accorded to India by Mr. Netanyahu. In his address to the Cabinet before unveiling the “Hexagon” alliance, the Israeli PM described India as a global power while hailing his personal bonding with Mr. Modi as a special relation. Both the leaders share great chemistry and are regularly in contact with each other to discuss various critical issues. The Modi-Bibi ‘bromance’ has become a folklore as the world looks in awe at the friendship which has stood the test of time. Over the years, Israel and India have had each other’s back during times of crisis and have deftly negotiated complex diplomatic hurdles arising out of various issues. The relation will get an official expression in the “Hexagon” alliance when Mr. Modi visits Israel in the coming month. What Mr. Netanyahu has said about his relation with Mr. Modi holds great significance for the world.

 

As new axes are being chalked out following the economic hustle imposed by the United States, India has held on to its position with great resilience. It withstood the pressure mounted by US President Mr. Donald Trump over signing a highly skewed trade deal and it also spoke from a position of strength on subjects like practicing strategic autonomy. While all this was on, India maintained its stated positions on the Israel-Palestine issue without disturbing its relationship with Tel Aviv. The inclusion of India in the proposed alliance by Mr. Netanyahu is a living proof of how India’s position on the dint of its spiritual strength is respected by the world. In the past few years, the India-Israel bilateral relationship was tested over the IDF’s military action in the Gaza Strip. The world mounted severe pressure on New Delhi to call out Tel Aviv’s excesses but it stuck to its position of neutrality while firmly backing the two-State solution. India’s position has come from its deep belief in peaceful co-existence with no place for extremism. It has always been hailed by Israel as India has remained the first supporter to its fight against terrorism.

 

During the unprovoked attack by Hamas on Israeli cities on October 7, 2023, India came out in Tel Aviv’s support asserting its right to defend with an all-out attack on the militants. New Delhi has never budged from this position as it forced other nations to condemn terrorism afflicting Israel. The Knesset has also acknowledged this principled stand and Israel has never shied away from describing India as a close, all-weather friend. The bonhomie has paved the way for a new geopolitical axis seeking to restrain extremism and form a shared future. As always, India will be the guiding light to the alliance.