Will consolidate ties: PM Modi leaves for Israel — what’s on agenda

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that his visit to Israel will further consolidate the bond between the two nations

Ahead of his two-day visit, PM Modi said that he is looking forward to his discussion with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

At the invitation of my dear friend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I will be undertaking a State Visit to Israel from 25-26 February 2026. India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years, the Prime Minister said.

I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties. We will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, he added.

PM Modi also expressed confidence that the visit will further strengthen ties between the two countries and set new goals for the strategic partnership.

During the visit, I will also meet with Isaac Herzog, President of Israel. I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations. I also eagerly look forward to interacting with the members of the Indian diaspora who have long been nurturing the India-Israel special friendship. I am confident that my State Visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the Strategic Partnership, and advance our shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future.

Whats on the agenda

This will be PM Modis second visit to Israel. In 2017, he became the first Indian prime minister to travel to the country, a trip that elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later visited India in January 2018.

During the upcoming visit, Modi is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with Netanyahu. He will also meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. Netanyahu is expected to host a private dinner in his honour. The itinerary includes an innovation event in Jerusalem and a joint visit to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center.

Defence and security focus

Defence and security cooperation is likely to feature prominently in the discussions. Israel remains a major supplier of military platforms and weapon systems to India. Both sides are expected to review ongoing engagements and explore further collaboration. According to PTI, India — which is developing an indigenous air defence shield called ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ — may examine the possibility of incorporating certain elements from Israel’s Iron Dome system.

Trade, technology and economic ties

Economic engagement is also expected to be high on the agenda. During Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Israel in November, both sides signed the terms of reference for launching free trade agreement negotiations. In September, the two countries concluded a bilateral investment agreement aimed at expanding economic cooperation. The leaders are also expected to review progress in science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, trade, and people-to-people exchanges, the MEA said.

Regional tensions and ‘hexagon’

The leaders are expected to exchange views on regional and global developments, including the situation in Gaza and broader tensions in West Asia. Ahead of the visit, Netanyahu described the trip as “historic” and referred to Modi as a “dear friend.” He also outlined a broader diplomatic vision to build a “hexagon” of alliances involving India, Arab nations, African countries, and Mediterranean states, aimed at strengthening coordination among like-minded countries and countering radical axes in the region.

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