Budding Israel-India Romance Tested by Modi's Balancing Act

Bilateral relationship closer than ever under Netanyahu, Modi
Canceled arms deal shows India isn’t always easiest partner

Narendra Modi and Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New Delhi on Jan 14. Photographer: Prakash Singh/AFP via Getty Images

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By David Wainer and Iain Marlow

January 11, 2018 at 11:00 PM UTC

Updated on

January 14, 2018 at 10:41 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Before setting off for New Delhi late Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received an unwelcome reminder of the maneuvering Indian counterpart Narendra Modi must perform as their countries deepen ties.

In early January, Israel confirmed that India called off a $500 million missile deal. In December, New Delhi backed a United Nations resolution condemning President Donald Trump’s new Israel-friendly policy on Jerusalem.