Israel Proposes New Strategic Bloc Before Modi Visit
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unveiled an ambitious new geopolitical framework called the “Hexagon Alliance” just days before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a state visit to Israel. The proposal places India at the heart of an emerging strategic pact intended to foster cooperation among like-minded nations and counter growing extremist influences across West Asia.
The announcement highlights the evolving relationship between Israel and India — described by Netanyahu as rooted in shared interests and trust — and marks one of the most significant diplomatic overtures ahead of the February 25–26 visit. India’s participation is expected to deepen defence, technology, energy, and security collaboration between the two nations.
What is the ‘Hexagon Alliance’?
Netanyahu’s concept of the Hexagon Alliance is designed as a six-point geopolitical cluster aimed at pooling the strategic strengths of various countries. While he has specifically mentioned Greece and Cyprus along with Israel and India, he also alluded to the inclusion of selected Arab, African, and Asian partners. The objective, according to Netanyahu, is to build an axis of nations that share common perspectives on regional stability and security challenges.
The alliance is framed as more than symbolic: it is expected to promote security cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated responses to perceived radical threats. Netanyahu explicitly referenced opposition to both radical Shia and emerging radical Sunni axes, framing the alliance as a counterbalance to these U.S. and Iran-linked blocs.
India’s Role and Strategic Importance
India, described by Netanyahu as a “global power” and Prime Minister Modi as a “personal friend,” is envisioned as a central pillar of the proposed structure. Analysts note that New Delhi’s inclusion signals Israel’s intent to cement a forward-looking strategic partnership beyond traditional bilateral ties. While India has historically maintained a non-aligned foreign policy, its cooperation with Israel has strengthened gradually in defence, technology, and regional security domains.
New Delhi’s participation could expand into advanced defence collaborations — such as joint missile defence and aerospace projects — while reinforcing economic and technological linkages. However, India has been careful to balance its global diplomatic relations, especially with Gulf and West Asian partners, as it navigates these high-stakes strategic engagements.
Context and Regional Dynamics
The Hexagon Alliance proposal comes amid an increasingly fluid geopolitical landscape in West Asia. Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated, and new regional alignments are forming, including a strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan which observers have dubbed an “Islamic NATO.” Netanyahu’s plan appears to be a direct response to these developments, offering an alternative multilateral platform rooted in shared security and economic goals.
What to Expect During the Visit
During PM Modi’s visit, both leaders are expected to engage in wide-ranging talks that go beyond the Hexagon initiative — including defence agreements, technology exchange, energy cooperation, and broader regional and global strategic concerns. The summit reflects both countries’ ambitions to expand their bilateral partnership and contribute to stability in the Indo-Pacific and West Asian theatres.
