Modi Skips Middle East Summit Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not attend a significant peace summit in Egypt, jointly hosted by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The summit aimed to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Instead of Modi, India was represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh. This absence has sparked discussions regarding the underlying diplomatic implications and tensions affecting India’s relationship with both the United States and its regional neighbors.

Modi’s decision not to attend the summit, which featured over 20 world leaders, has drawn attention, especially as Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was present. Some analysts speculate that Modi’s absence may be linked to the recent diplomatic strains arising from Trump’s decision to impose a 50 percent tariff increase on Indian goods entering the United States. This measure has been perceived as a punitive action against India for continuing to purchase oil from Russia, despite international sanctions.

Despite these tensions, Modi congratulated Trump on the success of a ceasefire in Gaza. His absence from the summit, however, suggests a strategic decision to signal India’s discontent with the current state of trade relations. This diplomatic maneuvering contrasts with Modi’s warm remarks towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he praised for his “strong leadership” on social media platform X.

The growing trade relationship between India and Israel underlines Modi’s supportive stance toward Netanyahu. Recently, India and Israel signed a bilateral investment agreement during the visit of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to India. Both nations aim to enhance trade and investment, particularly in the areas of cyber-security and defense. As Israel is the largest arms supplier to India, this relationship likely influenced Modi’s decision to avoid the Sharm El Sheikh summit, which Netanyahu also did not attend.

In assessing Modi’s approach, it is evident that India’s foreign policy is shaped by a realistic perspective on the prospects for lasting peace in Gaza. The region has suffered extensive destruction and a staggering civilian death toll, with estimates nearing 70,000 deaths. The ongoing conflict has led to a significant security vacuum, with Hamas fighters filling the void left by Israeli troop withdrawals.

The situation in Gaza has escalated since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which prompted a two-year military operation by Israeli forces. As a proponent of the two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, India has historically maintained a careful balance in its foreign policy. Although it has abstained from UN resolutions critical of Israeli actions, India has shifted its stance to support initiatives aimed at fostering peace in the region.

In 2024, India abstained from a UN General Assembly vote advocating for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, reflecting its nuanced position. The current diplomatic landscape suggests that India is aligning itself more closely with the international community, emphasizing the need to “pave the way for lasting peace.”

As the complexities of the Middle East continue to unfold, Modi’s diplomatic choices may well influence India’s standing on the global stage, particularly in relation to its relationships with the United States and Israel.