PM Modi’s Israel Visit Signals Strategic Push to Counter China’s Influence: Report
New Delhi/Tel Aviv: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent state visit to Israel has reinforced bilateral ties and highlighted India’s broader geo-economic strategy aimed at strengthening connectivity and reducing dependence on China, according to an analysis published in The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune.
The report underscores that India is moving beyond its traditional non-aligned posture towards a more pragmatic, partnership-driven foreign policy. The visit, including PM Modi’s address to the Knesset, reflected a vision of deeper engagement with countries that offer stability, technological strength, and strategic alignment.
Israel, in this framework, is seen as a key partner in India’s westward connectivity ambitions.
At the centre of India’s approach lies the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), envisioned as a major trade and connectivity initiative linking India with Europe through the Middle East.
The corridor is positioned as a “values-based” alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has expanded Beijing’s influence across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe through large-scale infrastructure investments.
The report notes that IMEC aims to create a flexible, transparent, and cooperative economic network, contrasting with China’s state-driven and centralised model.
Israel’s role is described as crucial due to its institutional stability and technological capabilities. Along with countries like Greece, Israel is expected to serve as an anchor for ensuring long-term viability and security of the corridor.
The analysis suggests that India is prioritising partnerships with nations that share an interest in maintaining a rules-based international order.
Despite IMEC’s ambitions, China retains a significant advantage due to its established infrastructure and long-standing investments under the BRI. Projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and key ports have already created deep economic linkages.
China’s influence is further strengthened by its engagement with Gulf nations and control over critical infrastructure elements such as communication networks.
The report concludes that IMEC’s success will depend on its ability to build institutional credibility, ensure transparency, and offer a resilient alternative to existing systems. PM Modi’s Israel visit is seen as a step in consolidating this long-term strategic vision.
Our Final Thoughts
India’s evolving foreign policy reflects a clear shift towards strategic partnerships and economic resilience. The emphasis on initiatives like IMEC shows that New Delhi is not only responding to global power dynamics but also attempting to shape them. While competing with China’s deeply entrenched infrastructure network will be challenging, the focus on transparency, collaboration, and long-term sustainability could offer a compelling alternative. The success of this strategy will ultimately depend on execution, regional stability, and the ability to maintain trust among partner nations.