PM Modi Israel Visit: Defence, Trade & Strategic Ties Top Agenda in Historic Trip

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from New Delhi on Wednesday morning for a two-day official visit to Israel, aiming to deepen strategic cooperation in defence, trade, and technology. The visit comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East and is expected to reinforce the growing partnership between the two nations.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold wide-ranging talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and meet President Isaac Herzog. He is also scheduled to address the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, marking a significant diplomatic engagement. In a gesture of friendship, the Knesset building was illuminated in the colours of the Indian tricolour ahead of his address, which the Prime Minister described as an honour.

Defence and security cooperation will be a central focus of delegation-level discussions. India and Israel share strong defence ties, with collaboration spanning advanced military systems, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism efforts. Both countries recently reaffirmed their policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism and pledged to strengthen intelligence coordination and multilateral cooperation.

The leaders are also expected to review progress in the India–Israel strategic partnership and explore opportunities for cooperation in innovation, cybersecurity, agriculture, water management, and scientific research. The visit coincides with the start of negotiations for a proposed Free Trade Agreement aimed at boosting bilateral trade, investment, and technological collaboration.

Regional developments, including the situation in Gaza and broader Middle East security concerns, are likely to be discussed during bilateral talks. The visit takes place amid evolving geopolitical dynamics, including tensions involving major global powers and regional security challenges.

Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat described the ongoing trade discussions as a historic step that could unlock new economic opportunities and act as a growth engine for both nations. The talks aim to strengthen economic ties and expand collaboration across key sectors such as technology, defence manufacturing, and innovation-driven industries.

This visit builds upon the momentum created by Prime Minister Modi’s landmark 2017 trip — the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel — which elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. Since then, cooperation between the two countries has expanded significantly across defence, technology, agriculture, and innovation.

Apart from official meetings, Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to host a private dinner in honour of Prime Minister Modi, reflecting the strong personal and diplomatic rapport between the two leaders.

The visit is expected to further strengthen ties between two resilient democracies and shape cooperation in security, economic growth, and technological advancement in an increasingly complex global environment.