While the phone call between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights closer diplomatic ties, some experts caution that deepening engagement with Israel during an ongoing West Asia crisis carries risks for India.
India traditionally maintains a neutral balancing act in West Asia to protect its diverse interests, including energy supplies and a large expatriate workforce spread across various countries. Overly aligning with Israel, a country involved in contentious regional conflicts, could complicate relations with Arab and Muslim-majority nations.
Such a tilt might expose India to criticisms or retaliatory measures, potentially affecting trade partnerships and diplomatic goodwill in the broader Muslim world. The call’s emphasis on security cooperation could amplify perceptions of India taking sides rather than remaining an impartial partner in the region.
Skeptics also point out that increased association with Israel amid West Asia turmoil may limit India’s maneuverability in future peace negotiations and regional stability efforts. It could inadvertently entangle India in conflicts or diplomatic disputes that undermine its core interests.
Therefore, while collaboration with Israel has benefits, advocates for a cautious approach urge India to weigh potential repercussions carefully and maintain a balanced posture that does not alienate other key West Asian partners.