ThePrint Opinion: 'Don’t frame Modi's Israel visit as ‘this hurts Indian Muslims’,We don’t mix faith & foreign policy'
Mar 3, 2026
A sharp look at the timing and significance of a high-profile India visit to Israel. Examination of decades-long India–Israel cooperation in defense, tech and agriculture. Questions about whether India is being drawn into a new Middle East alignment. Critique of social media claims that religious identity dictates foreign policy. Warnings about loyalty policing and diplomatic realities.
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India's Dual Track Israel Policy
- India balances deepening ties with Israel alongside long-standing engagement with Gulf states and Iran.
- Amna Begandansari explains the relationship grew through defense, intelligence and tech cooperation while keeping diplomatic channels open across the Middle East.
Practical Interests Drive Engagement
- India's engagement with Israel has been pragmatic and interest-driven rather than ideological.
- Begandansari cites Israeli agri-tech and defense as practical solutions for Indian problems like drought and security needs.
Supporting Palestine While Partnering With Israel
- India has successfully maintained support for a two-state solution while building strategic ties with Israel.
- Begandansari highlights this dual stance as a longstanding New Delhi approach that avoided collapse into contradiction.