Modi's Israel trip signals India's shifting foreign policy calculus

New Delhi

LOOKING for new agriculture technology as well as high-tech weapons to fuel his military modernisation programme, Narendra Modi is making a landmark trip to Israel, the first by a sitting Indian prime minister.

The visit, which began on Tuesday, is likely to focus on security and economic ties with Israel, which is becoming a significant defence partner as India seeks advanced weaponry after relying on Russia for most of its military technology.

India has traditionally downplayed relations with Israel fearing the ties would alienate the country's 170 million Muslims. But Mr Modi, a popular …