Wed Feb 25 13:14:19 UTC 2026: ### India and Israel Deepen Strategic Ties, Raising Concerns in Pakistan

The Story:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel in February 2026, his second since 2017, signals a significant deepening of strategic relations between the two nations. The visit, marked by a warm reception from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, comes at a time when Israel faces international scrutiny over its actions in Gaza. Analysts suggest this strengthened alliance could have considerable implications for Pakistan’s security and diplomatic strategies, particularly in light of evolving regional dynamics and the proposed “hexagon of alliances” centered around India.

Key Points:

  • Narendra Modi visited Israel in February 2026, reinforcing strategic ties.
  • Benjamin Netanyahu proposed a “hexagon of alliances” placing India at its center, aimed at countering “radical axes.”
  • India is now Israel’s largest arms customer, with discussions underway for exporting previously restricted military hardware, including the Iron Beam laser weapon.
  • Pakistan’s former ambassador, Masood Khan, believes the visit marks a decisive moment, potentially mirroring Pakistan’s strategic agreement with Saudi Arabia.
  • India allegedly used Israeli drones against Pakistan during the May 2025 aerial conflict.
  • Pakistan has strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, which are viewed with suspicion by Israel.
  • The UAE signed a strategic agreement with India in January 2026.

Key Takeaways:

  • The India-Israel strategic partnership is deepening, driven by shared security concerns and technological cooperation.
  • Pakistan views this alliance with growing concern, especially regarding its impact on regional stability and its own strategic calculations.
  • The proposed “hexagon of alliances” and counter-axis narratives highlight the increasing polarization of the Middle East and South Asia regions.
  • Pakistan’s balancing act between its alliances with Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and its relations with Iran is becoming increasingly complex.
  • The strengthening of economic ties is crucial for Pakistan to maintain influence and counter the growing India-Israel partnership.

Impact Analysis:

The deepening strategic ties between India and Israel have long-term implications for regional security and diplomacy.

  • Increased Regional Polarization: The formation of alliances and counter-alliances exacerbates existing tensions and could lead to further instability.
  • Arms Race: The transfer of advanced military technology from Israel to India may trigger an arms race in the region, particularly concerning Pakistan.
  • Diplomatic Realignment: Pakistan will likely need to recalibrate its foreign policy to navigate the changing dynamics, potentially strengthening ties with countries like China, Turkiye and Iran to counter the India-Israel axis.
  • Economic Implications: Pakistan’s economic reliance on Gulf states, some of which are strengthening ties with India, could create vulnerabilities and necessitate diversification of economic partnerships.
  • Intelligence and Security Concerns: Enhanced intelligence sharing between India and Israel poses a direct threat to Pakistan’s national security, requiring Islamabad to bolster its own intelligence capabilities and cybersecurity defenses.

    Read More

Related News: