Modi Arrives in Israel for Second Visit, Political Reactions Emerge
Opposition, Left Parties Criticize Trip Amid Gaza War and Settlement Row
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on Wednesday for his second visit to the country, as New Delhi and Tel Aviv continue to expand strategic, military and economic cooperation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office described the relationship as a “tremendous alliance” and said discussions would cover multiple areas of collaboration.
The visit, however, drew sharp reactions from opposition parties in India. Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned the timing and purpose of the Prime Minister’s foreign engagements, urging the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party to respond to concerns raised about current policies instead of targeting opposition leaders.
According to reports in Indian media, Khera asked under whose mandate and pressure the Prime Minister undertook foreign visits and trade negotiations, in response to recent remarks by Union Minister Piyush Goyal directed at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) also criticised the visit, stating that it coincides with Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza. In a statement, the party said the trip amounts to political endorsement of the Netanyahu government and expressed opposition to deepening strategic ties under present circumstances.
The CPI(M) strongly opposes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel. pic.twitter.com/KOBPyP7EP9
— CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) February 25, 2026
Meanwhile, developments in the occupied West Bank have also drawn international attention. The Palestinian Land Authority condemned what it termed continued settlement expansion and land registration measures in Area C, which constitutes a significant portion of the territory. The Authority said such actions undermine Palestinian rights and contravene international law.
Reports indicate that Israel recently advanced plans to extend land registration procedures in parts of Area C. The move has been criticised by several countries, with foreign ministers from multiple nations issuing a joint statement expressing concern over settlement-related policies. [KNT]
