Modi puts India firmly in Israel–US camp, say analysts
New Delhi’s stature diminished by Modi’s silence on Iran strikes: The Diplomat
#Indo-IsraelNexusExposed
New Delhi, March 10 (KMS): Analysts and commentators say Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed India firmly in the US–Israel camp, a shift that critics argue has diminished the country’s international standing.
According to Kashmir Media Service, an article published in The Diplomat noted that Modi’s strong support of Israel and his refusal to condemn the US-Israel military strikes on Iran, a long-time friend of India, have “diminished India’s stature in the eyes of the world.”
Modi visited Israel from February 25 to 26, 2026, just days before the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran. The timing of the visit has drawn scrutiny, as the US-Israel strikes on Iran began less than 48 hours after Modi left Israel. Former Indian diplomat M. K. Bhadrakumar suggested that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have briefed Modi about the impending military action during their meetings.
During his address to the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, Modi openly declared strong support for Israel, stating, “India stands with Israel, firmly, with full conviction, in this moment, and beyond.”
Critics have also pointed out that Netanyahu currently faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over war crimes, yet Modi publicly embraced and endorsed him during the visit.
On the Israel-Palestine conflict, Modi expressed condolences for Israeli victims of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack but avoided mentioning or criticising Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has reportedly killed more than 73,000 Palestinians, including many women and children.
The visit triggered criticism both domestically and internationally. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh described Modi’s stance as “the highest moral cowardice” and termed the visit “shameful”, arguing that unconditional support for Israel betrays India’s anti-colonial legacy.
Analysts say India’s policy shift in West Asia has been influenced by its growing strategic alignment with the United States. They note that a similar pattern was seen in September 2005 when India voted with Western powers at the International Atomic Energy Agency against Iran’s nuclear programme during negotiations for the India-US civilian nuclear deal.
Observers say the tilt toward Washington and Israel has intensified since the BJP came to power in 2014.
At the United Nations, India has moved away from its earlier consistent support for Palestine, adopting a mixed voting record that includes abstaining on several resolutions critical of Israel and, in some cases, voting alongside Israel.
During the Israeli war on Gaza, India abstained or opposed ceasefire resolutions in some UN votes, drawing criticism from rights groups and political observers.
Journalist Bharat Bhushan, writing in the Deccan Herald, said Modi had effectively placed India “firmly in the US-Israeli camp”.
Analysts warn that this alignment could undermine India’s claims of representing the Global South.
Meanwhile, India’s official response to the Iran crisis remained cautious. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed “deep concern” over developments in Iran and the Gulf region but stopped short of condemning the US-Israel strikes.
India also avoided commenting on the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and did not react to reports of a bombing of a school in southern Iran that killed 165 civilians, including children.
New Delhi’s only direct condemnation during the crisis came after attacks on the United Arab Emirates, without explicitly naming Iran.
