https://arab.news/v54kg
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel late last month, just when US-Iran talks were taking place in Geneva. Over the previous days, the US had mobilized a formidable armada in the Gulf, while President Donald Trump was issuing daily threats of assault on Iran if an agreement did not emerge from Geneva that met his full expectations. Given the military preparations and Trump’s maximalist demands on Iran, the likelihood of a war initiated by the Israeli-US coalition was very high.
Modi’s visit was clearly timed to enable the prime minister to affirm India’s affiliation with Israel and backing for it in the coming war, while distancing itself from Iran. New Delhi has neither regretted the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei nor the US attack on the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena off the coast of Sri Lanka, which killed at least 87 sailors. Three days after Khamenei’s death, the Indian foreign secretary signed the condolence book at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi, a token gesture given the stature of the assassinated leader.
Modi’s sojourn in Israel was high-profile and yielded substantial results for both sides. The prime minister delivered a resounding address at the Knesset and concluded far-reaching agreements with Israel that will solidify bilateral ties.
