India Will Stand With Israel Whether Congress, AIMIM and the Left Like It or Not
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Israel has triggered predictable outrage from Congress, AIMIM and the Left. Leaders such as Jairam Ramesh and Asaduddin Owaisi have questioned the timing, while CPI(M) voices have implied that India is drifting away from its traditional “balanced” position in West Asia. The criticism suggests that India should have been more sensitive to Iran’s position amid regional tensions. But foreign policy is not an exercise in pleasing political opponents. It is about protecting national interest. And on that count, standing firmly with Israel makes strategic sense.
The Strategic Reality: Israel Is an All-Weather Partner
Israel is not a casual diplomatic acquaintance for India. It is one of India’s most dependable defence and intelligence partners. From advanced missile systems and surveillance drones to precision weaponry and counter-terror cooperation, Israel has consistently supported India’s security needs. During moments of crisis, including heightened border tensions and counter-terror operations, Israel has ensured rapid defence supplies without political hesitation.
Beyond defence, cooperation extends to agriculture, irrigation, water management and technology transfer. Israeli expertise has contributed to agricultural productivity in several Indian states through Centres of Excellence. Intelligence coordination between the two nations has strengthened India’s internal security architecture. These are not symbolic gestures. They are concrete, strategic contributions that enhance India’s capability.
Strategic partnerships are built on reliability. Israel has demonstrated reliability repeatedly.
The Iran Question: Sentiment vs Strategic Value
India engages Iran pragmatically. Tehran has been important for energy security and connectivity initiatives such as the Chabahar Port project, which provides India access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. But engagement does not automatically translate into strategic alignment.
Iran has, on multiple occasions, made public remarks on issues such as Kashmir and communal tensions in India. Tehran’s position has not always aligned with New Delhi’s sensitivities. Nor has Iran matched Israel’s level of defence cooperation, intelligence sharing or technological transfer.
India’s relationship with Iran is transactional and strategic in limited areas. It is not an all-weather security partnership. Recognising this distinction is not hostility. It is realism.
Opposition’s Position: Ideology and Domestic Politics
The sharp reaction from Congress, AIMIM and the Left appears rooted more in ideology and domestic politics than in strategic calculation. Sections of the Left have historically been critical of Israel’s policies. Congress continues to view foreign policy through a Non-Aligned Movement lens shaped by Cold War politics. AIMIM’s rhetoric reflects its own political positioning.
Importantly, the Indian government has not endorsed war or escalation. Official statements have called for restraint and respect for sovereignty from all sides. The criticism, therefore, is not about a formal policy shift. It is about optics and symbolism.
Foreign policy cannot be dictated by symbolic anxieties. It must be guided by tangible interests.
India’s Evolving Foreign Policy: From Non-Alignment to Multi-Alignment
India today practices strategic autonomy through multi-alignment. It maintains strong defence ties with Israel, continues engagement with Iran, builds deep economic partnerships with Gulf nations, and strengthens security coordination with the United States. These relationships are not mutually exclusive.
The world has moved beyond rigid blocs. India’s rise as a major power demands flexibility, not ideological rigidity. Multi-alignment allows India to maximise benefits from diverse partnerships while retaining independent decision-making authority.
Expecting India to distance itself from a proven partner because of regional turbulence would undermine this very autonomy.
Why Modi’s Israel Visit Makes Strategic Sense
High-level diplomatic engagement during volatile times can signal continuity and confidence. Defence cooperation, technological collaboration and intelligence sharing cannot be paused every time West Asia witnesses tension. India’s security requirements are constant.
Moreover, Israel has consistently stood by India in international forums and in matters of counter-terrorism. Reinforcing that partnership is not provocation. It is consolidation.
If anything, the visit underlines that India will not let external conflicts derail long-term strategic cooperation.
National Interest Over Political Noise
Foreign policy must be shaped by New Delhi’s assessment of national interest, not by opposition discomfort. Standing with a reliable partner like Israel does not mean abandoning diplomatic balance or shutting doors to Iran. It means recognising who has consistently contributed to India’s security and technological advancement.
Congress, AIMIM and the Left are entitled to question the government. But questioning the legitimacy of a strategic partnership that has strengthened India’s defence and intelligence capabilities reflects outdated thinking.
India will pursue multi-alignment. India will protect its interests. And India will stand with partners who have stood with it.
