A new Middle East axis? Netanyahu drops big hint ahead of PM Modi's Israel visit

Israeli PM says upcoming visit will strengthen defence, AI and missile cooperation as India explores advanced anti-ballistic systems under Mission Sudershan

• Modi's Israel visit to boost economic and security cooperation
• India, Israel to advance defence and high-tech collaboration
• MoU on security cooperation likely during Modi's visit

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Israel will significantly strengthen economic, diplomatic and security cooperation, while also contributing to what he described as a new alliance framework in the Middle East.

Modi is scheduled to visit Israel for two days from February 25, with both sides expected to advance defence and high-technology collaboration at a time of heightened regional flux.

Speaking at the opening of a government meeting, Netanyahu described the visit as part of a broader strategic vision.

“In the vision I see before my eyes, we will create a complete system of alliances around or within the Middle East,” he said, referring to an “axis of countries that see reality, the challenges, and the goals with one eye, facing the radical axes.”

He listed India, Greece and Cyprus among countries forming part of what he termed a “hexagon of alliances,” alongside unnamed Arab, African and Asian partners.

Netanyahu framed the effort as a counter to both the “radical Shiite axis” and what he called an “emerging radical Sunni axis,” arguing that closer coordination among like-minded nations would enhance regional stability and security.

India is expected to use the visit to strengthen defence collaboration with Israel, particularly in missile defence systems.

New Delhi is keen on jointly developing advanced anti-ballistic missile systems under Mission Sudershan, aimed at protecting Indian territory from long-range missile threats. Israel’s layered missile defence expertise positions it as a critical partner in this effort.

Reports also suggest Israel may provide advanced technologies, including laser-based defence systems and high-precision stand-off weapons, further deepening military ties.

An MoU on security cooperation is likely to be signed during the visit.

Netanyahu highlighted cooperation in high-tech sectors, including artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, as key areas of expansion.

He referred to the “special relationship” built over recent years, recalling mutual visits and describing Modi as a personal friend. “We have swum in the Mediterranean, and much water has flowed since then, in the Mediterranean, in the Ganges, and in the Jordan,” he said.

This week, expression will be given to the special relationship that has been forged over recent years between Israel and the global power that is India, and between myself and its leader, Prime Minister @narendramodi.

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) February 22, 2026

Beyond security, the visit is expected to expand collaboration in agriculture, water management and science and technology.

For India, the visit underscores a continuing pivot towards deeper strategic and defence engagement with Israel, even as it balances relations across West Asia.

For Israel, India represents both a major defence market and a key diplomatic partner in shaping a broader regional alignment.