PM Modi Israel Visit: Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered India the invitation to join the Hexagon. The Hexagon is a counterweight to the “radical axes” of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, potentially expanding with Turkey.
Israel, India, Greece and Cyprus are the Hexagon’s core pillars while many African, Arab and Asian countries may soon join the framework.
PM Modi Israel Visit-The Hexagon Proposal Unveiled
During a February 22 cabinet meeting, Benjamin Netanyahu announced the Hexagon. The Israeli PM described the Hexagon as a flexible network of alliances. Unlike rigid military pacts, the Hexagon focuses on diplomatic coordination, economic integration, security collaboration and intelligence sharing to address shared threats from Shias and emerging Sunni radical axes.
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The Hexagon’s framework builds on existing ties like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to enhance trade routes bypassing adversarial routes.
The Hexagon is in response to the SMDA that was signed between Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The SMDA commits both countries to treat aggression against one as an attack on all, echoing the Article 5 of NATO.
Strategic Benefits For India
India could benefit from joining the Hexagon as defence gains include joint production under “Make in India” and intelligence on terror threats from Pakistan. Economically, it improves IMEC connectivity to help secure energy imports and exports to Europe via Greece-Cyprus routes, diversifying from China-Pakistan corridors.
Geopolitically, joining the Hexagon would elevate the West Asia role of India, hedging against intense pressures imposed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, especially after India-Pakistan clashes in 2025 where Turkey aided Islamabad.
A Game-Changer for India’s Geopolitics?
For India, the Hexagon offers a timely shield against the Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey bloc to amplify leverage in a multipolar world under the realignments of President Donald Trump.
