Tel Aviv: Israel should take a cue from India on treating “national honour” as a strategic asset, according to Israeli defence policy expert Zaki Shalom.

In an op-ed in The Jerusalem Post, Shalom, senior fellow at the Misgav Institute for National Security and Zionist Strategy, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s firm stance against the United States over tariff policies and India’s handling of border clashes with Pakistan.

Shalom noted that PM Modi’s decisive responses demonstrate that national honour is “not a luxury but a far-reaching strategic asset.” The expert pointed out that Modi declined four calls from then-US President Donald Trump, emphasizing that his actions were driven by both national and personal honour.

Criticizing Israel’s handling of the bombing at Nasser Hospital in Gaza’s Khan Yunis, which killed at least 20 civilians, Shalom said the Israeli government and military displayed “anxiety and perhaps even panic” in their responses. He suggested that Israel’s excessive transparency and eagerness to mitigate short-term backlash may have undermined long-term strategic interests.

By contrast, he highlighted India’s approach during unprecedented verbal attacks from President Trump, where Modi responded forcefully without rushing to apologise.

“India will not accept treatment as a subordinate or inferior state,” Shalom said, stressing that defending national honour, even in complex situations, is critical for a country’s standing and security.

Shalom concluded that Israel could learn from India’s model of projecting firm resilience, asserting that national honour is a vital strategic asset for maintaining global influence and security.