The warm welcome given by Narendra Modi to Netanyahu, his wife Sara and the Israeli delegation shows that Modi-Yahu relations are quite strong. Ignoring the protocol Modi himself arrived at the airport to welcome his friend. He hugged him several times during the visit. They repeatedly called each other ‘my friend’. There is no doubt that economic and defence relations have strengthened between India and Israel during the past few years. Today India is the largest purchaser of weapons from Israel. Modi invited Israeli prime minister to invest in Indian industries. 9 deals were inked this time including oil and natural gas and cybersecurity. It has been learnt that at the request of Netanyahu, Modi government has promised to reconsider 500 million Spike anti-tank guided missiles which New Delhi had cancelled.
This is not a secret that Modi and Netanyahu’s ideological affinity is behind the rising friendship and closeness between India and Israel. While the BJP’s Hindutva agenda is based on anti-Muslim ideology, Benjamin Netanyahu, due to the atrocities done by him against Palestinians, is branded as the most callous and anti-Muslim ruler in the 70-year history of Israel.
Because of the anti-Muslim ideology of both the leaders, Modi and Netanyahu are rightly called as “ideological soul-mates”.