India, Feb. 25 -- As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to emplane for Israel for his second visit to the country, a larger question hangs in the air: is New Delhi being drawn into a new regional axis? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unveiled a plan to build what he calls a "hexagon" of alliances in and around the Middle East, naming India among key partners.

The proposal came days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his two-day visit from February 25 to 26, during which he is scheduled to address the Knesset and hold talks on technology, trade and security cooperation. Track PM Modi's Israel visit live updates

Speaking at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu described India as a "global power" and ...