Narendra Modi Leaves for Israel Visit, Says Trip Will Consolidate Strategic Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday departed for a two-day State Visit to Israel, expressing confidence that the trip will further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations and open new avenues of cooperation.
The visit, scheduled from February 25 to 26, comes at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ahead of his departure, Modi described Israel as a key partner and said he looked forward to high-level discussions aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation.
“India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu to further strengthen cooperation across various domains,” Modi said.
Focus on Strategic and Economic Cooperation
The Prime Minister said discussions will cover a wide range of sectors, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defence and security, trade and investment, and people-to-people ties. Both leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.
During the visit, Modi will also meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. He is also scheduled to interact with members of the Indian diaspora in Israel.
Modi expressed confidence that the visit will help consolidate bilateral ties and advance a shared vision for a resilient, innovative, and prosperous future.
High-Level Engagements and Key Events
This will be Modi’s second visit to Israel, following his historic 2017 trip — the first by an Indian Prime Minister — which elevated relations to a strategic partnership. Netanyahu later visited India in 2018, further strengthening diplomatic engagement.
During the current visit, Modi will hold delegation-level talks with Netanyahu and attend key events, including an innovation programme in Jerusalem and a joint visit to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Netanyahu is also expected to host a private dinner in honour of the Indian Prime Minister.
Defence, Trade, and Technology on Agenda
Defence and security cooperation is expected to be a major focus, with Israel remaining one of India’s key suppliers of military platforms and defence systems. Both countries are likely to review ongoing collaborations and explore new opportunities, including potential technological cooperation related to air defence systems.
Economic engagement is also expected to feature prominently. Both sides have recently taken steps toward launching negotiations for a free trade agreement and strengthening bilateral investment ties. Leaders are expected to review progress in trade, technology, agriculture, and innovation partnerships.
Regional and Global Issues to be Discussed
The leaders are also expected to discuss regional developments, including the situation in West Asia and broader geopolitical challenges. Netanyahu has described Modi’s visit as historic and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening ties with India.
Officials said the visit is expected to further deepen the India-Israel strategic partnership and reinforce cooperation across defence, economic, and diplomatic domains.
