Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ramped up calls for India to join a new "hexagon of alliances" just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi touches down for high-stakes talks, signaling a potential shift in Middle East-India ties. Netanyahu unveiled the concept in a recent cabinet session, framing it as a six-sided coalition to counter "radical Shia and Sunni threats." The lineup reportedly includes Israel, India, key Arab nations, African partners, Mediterranean states like Greece and Cyprus, and select Asian players—building on frameworks such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

With Modi scheduled for a two-day trip (February 25-26), Netanyahu hailed him as a "close friend" and India as a "global powerhouse." Discussions are set to cover security pacts, tech innovation, and trade, with Modi addressing the Knesset and visiting Yad Vashem. At the core, Netanyahu seeks India's military tech edge—drones, missiles, AI—and its diplomatic heft to broaden Israel's regional network. Bilateral trade has boomed since Modi's 2017 visit, with defense deals and joint ventures in quantum computing leading the charge.

India brings unmatched scale: a vast market, advanced arms production, and a neutral foreign policy that balances QUAD ties with Russia and Gulf relations. For Israel, facing post-Gaza isolation, India's involvement could legitimize outreach amid Red Sea tensions and Iran challenges. Yet New Delhi treads carefully, avoiding formal blocs to preserve oil flows from Iran and remittances from Arab states. Analysts view the hexagon as pragmatic branding—more about trade corridors and intel-sharing than a full military pact.

Critics like Hamas labeled it an "encirclement plot," while Pakistan voiced concerns over Israel's regional moves. No binding commitments are expected, but expect announcements on high-tech collaborations and IMEC progress. As U.S. policy evolves under President Trump and China's influence grows, this pitch underscores personal diplomacy's power—Modi and Netanyahu's rapport could quietly reshape connectivity from Mumbai to the Mediterranean.