Israel Now India's Second-Closest Partner Among Youth, Study Finds
A new study reveals Israel is now seen as India's second-closest partner after Russia among youth in the Hindi heartland.
A recent perception study has revealed a significant shift in how young adults in India's heartland view Israel, positioning the nation as one of India's most trusted and vital allies. According to the findings released by the India Israel Centre, Israel has emerged as the second-closest partner to India, trailing only Russia in the eyes of the youth across the country's most populous regions.
The Heartland's Perspective
The survey focused on adults aged 21 to 40 residing in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand—a belt that houses more than one-third of India's total population. The results indicate that Israel is now viewed more favorably than global powers like the United States, Japan, and France when it comes to friendship and reliability during crises.
Key statistics from the October 2026 study, which sampled 1,023 respondents through online and in-person interactions, highlight this trend:
- Friendship: 62% of respondents consider Israel a good friend to India.
- Reliability: 57% believe Israel stands by India during difficult times.
- Helpfulness: 42% identify Israel as a country that helps India, surpassing the US and Japan.
- Trust: Israel holds a trust rating of 57%, beating out the UAE, Singapore, France, and the United States.
Defence and Technology: The Core Drivers
The bond between the two nations is increasingly viewed through the lens of security and innovation. The study shows a steady rise in the association between Israel and defence cooperation from May to October. In May, 48% of respondents linked Israel with defence; by September, 52% rated the defence ties as strong; and by October, 61% believed India benefits from defence and technology cooperation.
This perception is only surpassed by the trust placed in Russia. The data suggests that as young Indians become more aware of the tangible benefits of this partnership, their trust deepens. Among those who are knowledgeable about the cooperation, trust jumps to 75%, and 83% see clear benefits in technology and defence ties. In contrast, trust drops to 43% among those unaware of the partnership.
Local Impact and Growing Support
The study found that real-world applications of the partnership—particularly in agriculture and employment—have a profound impact on public opinion. In cities like Gorakhpur and Varanasi, where these links are most visible, trust levels soar to 91% and 88%, respectively.
The appetite for a closer relationship is also on the rise:
- 50% of respondents now want the relationship to grow stronger, up from 41% in May.
- The percentage of people wanting reduced ties has dropped from 20% to 13%.
- Over 75% of participants support either deepening or maintaining the current relationship.
- Among the youngest demographic (ages 21 to 25), one in five explicitly named Israel as India's "best friend."
"These findings show a clear shift. When people encounter the partnership in real terms through technology, security cooperation, or agricultural methods, their regard for Israel rises. What was once seen as a specialised relationship is now registering more widely as one of India’s closest partnerships."
— Suresh Nakhua, Spokesperson, India Israel Centre