India-Israel relations

Platforms for the Global South, like BRICS, have stepped up their rhetoric. But don’t overestimate what they can – and are willing to – do. 

India this time around has taken a much stronger pro-Israel stand than is typical during Israeli-Palestinian conflicts.

If New Delhi cannot insulate itself from the ongoing Israeli-Iranian tensions, then no amount of hedging or switching between strategic initiatives will bring its ambitions to fruition. 

Pro-Israel content – including disinformation – is being widely shared on social media by Indian nationals, more significantly by right-wing Hindu nationalists.

Although they share a strong affinity in outlook, goals, and methods, Hindutva ideologues were also fanboys of Adolf Hitler.

As part of the Middle East quad India will garner support from other member countries for its own interests but it might be forced to get off the fence on crucial and sensitive geopolitical debates.

Jaishankar’s trip to Israel highlights just how much India’s approach to the Middle East has changed in the last few years.

The Indian government has reportedly once again abandoned plans to procure medium-range anti-tank guided missiles from Israel.

The Indian Army approved the import of 240 Spike anti-tank missiles and 12 launchers earlier this month.

India will undertake validation trials of the Israeli-made Spike anti-tank guided missile in 2019.

India will still buy Israeli ATGMs as a “stop gap” measure within the next three years, according to a source.