India-Israel Bilateral Ties Set to Endure Regardless of Upcoming Election Outcome, Says Analyst

Bilateral relations between India and Israel are expected to remain strong regardless of the outcome of the upcoming Israeli elections, according to Israeli author and political analyst Alec Pollard. The partnership is supported by growing cooperation in defence and technology, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's close personal relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Speaking to PTI Videos, Pollard noted that whoever wins the election, Israel and India will continue to maintain close ties, as the relationship is highly valued by Israel. However, a change in leadership could introduce a new dimension to bilateral engagement, with any incoming prime minister needing to establish a working rapport with Prime Minister Modi.

The upcoming Israeli elections, scheduled for Tuesday, are expected to be closely contested. Prime Minister Netanyahu faces several domestic challenges, including public scrutiny over the October 7 Hamas attack, exemptions from compulsory military service for the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, and broader concerns regarding Israel's international isolation.

Pollard highlighted that the October 7 attack, viewed domestically as a major security and intelligence failure, remains a central electoral issue. Netanyahu has faced criticism and has attempted to deflect blame toward the security and intelligence establishments, while simultaneously taking credit for subsequent military successes. The crucial question for voters is whether they accept this account, given that many individuals have been personally impacted.

Additional domestic debates centre on military conscription. Netanyahu's opponents have criticised the exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews—who form core members of his governing coalition—while military reservists face repeated deployments. Debates over a national commission of inquiry into the October 7 attack and proposed judicial reforms are also prominent among voters.

While Netanyahu has positioned himself as a leader capable of withstanding international pressure, critics argue that his far-right coalition partners have contributed to Israel's growing isolation. Pollard added that the election outcome is unlikely to alter policies regarding Gaza significantly, as Israel maintains that the conflict remains unresolved following the incomplete implementation of past ceasefire terms concerning the disarmament of Hamas.

"Geopolitical stability and strong diplomatic ties between nations serve as a foundational backdrop for international trade, defence cooperation, and cross-border technology partnerships. For businesses and startups operating in sectors like defence tech and deep tech, maintaining stable bilateral relations between strategic allies like India and Israel provides long-term policy predictability. Regardless of upcoming political transitions in Israel, the enduring nature of this partnership ensures continued collaborative opportunities in critical technological domains." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes