Relevance: GS II (International Relations) | Source: The Indian Express

1. What is the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day state visit to Israel (February 25-26, 2026).

• A Historic First: During this visit, he will become the very first Indian Prime Minister to give a speech at the Knesset (the official Parliament of Israel).
• The Meaning: This visit highlights the deep, open friendship and high-level trust between India and Israel.

2. The Big Change: What is ‘De-hyphenation’?

To understand this visit, you must understand a famous UPSC term: De-hyphenation.

• The Old Habit: For many decades, India kept its friendship with Israel a secret because we did not want to upset our friends in the Arab world (Middle East).
• The New Policy: Today, India proudly uses the policy of ‘De-hyphenation’. This simply means we treat our relationship with Israel and our relationship with Palestine as two completely separate things.
• In Simple Words: India says, “We will be good friends with Israel for technology and defence, but we will also continue to support Palestine’s right to exist peacefully.” One friendship does not stop the other.

3. Main Goals: What are they discussing?

The friendship has grown up. We are no longer just “buying” weapons from Israel; we are now “creating” things together.

• Making Weapons Together: Both countries are planning to jointly manufacture high-tech defence systems, like anti-ballistic missiles, right here in India.
• Fighting Cyber Crime: Sharing secrets to fight terrorism and stop hackers from stealing national data.
• New Technology: Working together on future technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Space research.
• The Big Trade Route: Pushing forward the mega India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Israel is a very important stop on this planned global trade route.

UPSC Value Box

With reference to India’s foreign policy and West Asian geopolitics, consider the following statements:

1. The ‘I2U2’ initiative is a joint strategic grouping comprising India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.
2. India’s policy of ‘De-hyphenation’ in West Asia means aligning its foreign policy exclusively with the Arab League to completely boycott Israel.
3. The Knesset is the official national legislature (Parliament) of Israel.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b)