Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Israel on Wednesday for a two-day state visit.
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The trip aims to deepen the robust strategic partnership between India and Israel.
High-Level Engagements and Agenda
Modi will hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation. He is also scheduled to meet President Isaac Herzog and address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament.
Key focus areas include defence, security, agriculture, water management, science and technology, innovation, cybersecurity, and trade. Both leaders have described each other as personal friends, highlighting the personal warmth in bilateral ties.
Modi emphasized that ties have significantly strengthened in recent years under his leadership. The visit follows Modi’s historic 2017 trip to Israel and Netanyahu’s 2018 visit to India.
Discussions will cover regional and global issues of mutual interest. Netanyahu has called the alliance “tremendous,” with expectations to expand in high-tech sectors like AI and quantum technologies.
Trade, FTA Talks, and Broader Context
Merchandise trade between the two nations reached $3.62 billion in 2024-2025. Negotiations for an India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) opened in New Delhi earlier this week. India values Israel as a key defence partner, with cooperation in military technology, including drones.
The Adani Group operates Israel’s Haifa port, showcasing growing economic linkages. Full diplomatic relations began in 1992, evolving into a multifaceted partnership. Modi expressed confidence the visit will set new goals for strategic ties and advance a shared vision for innovation and prosperity.
The trip occurs amid India’s balanced Middle East diplomacy, including ties with Gulf nations and Iran.
It has drawn some domestic criticism due to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Overall, the visit signals India’s commitment to elevating defence, economic, and technological collaboration with Israel.