Just a few days before the official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel — a visit expected to mark a strategic alliance — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed his vision for a “Hexagon” of alliances. This framework, which he said would include Greece and Cyprus, is intended to serve as a counterweight to both Shiite and Sunni extremism.

“I want to refer specifically to the diplomatic dimension: in the vision I have before me, we will create an entire system — essentially a ‘Hexagon’ of alliances — around or within the Middle East. This includes India, Arab states, African countries, Mediterranean countries (Greece and Cyprus), as well as Asian countries that I will not mention at this time. I will present it in an organized manner,” the Israeli Prime Minister said.

Describing the objectives of this “Hexagon” of alliances, Netanyahu stressed that the intention is to create an “axis of states” that approach and confront, with a shared understanding, the challenges posed by radical axes — “both the radical Shiite axis, which we have struck very hard, and the emerging radical Sunni axis.”

The “Shiite” axis refers to Iran and its regional proxies, while — and this is of particular importance — the “Sunni” axis appears to concern efforts by Turkey and Pakistan to align countries such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia in forming a strong front that would also target Israel.

Narendra Modi is expected to arrive in Israel on Wednesday in a highly symbolic visit, underscoring the priority India assigns to the Eastern Mediterranean region and the IMEC plan, as well as the major Asian country’s intention to strengthen ties with Israel. The aim is to develop joint co-production programs in defense equipment, with Israel contributing the advanced technology it has developed. According to Netanyahu, the talks will focus on cooperation in high technology, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.

The Indian Prime Minister will deliver a speech at the Knesset, attend an innovation event in Jerusalem with Benjamin Netanyahu, and they will also visit Yad Vashem.