•India traditionally balanced diplomacy, buying Russian weapons while courting Washington, investing in Iran's Chabahar port while deepening ties with Tel Aviv.
•Modi's visit to Israel, addressing the Knesset, and firm stance with Israel just before US/Israeli strikes on Tehran, signals a departure from strategic autonomy.
•India's trade-off: Iran offers discounted oil and Chabahar port access; Israel provides crucial military tech and intelligence against adversaries like China and Pakistan.
•Modi calculated that a local economic partner cannot substitute for a partnership determining whether India wins or loses a future conflict.
•While allies (US, Israel, India) share a moment of action, their endgames differ: US seeks to redirect oil flows from China, Israel wants to end Iran's nuclear program, India desires a stable Middle East and deeper tech ties.
