Countdown to PM Modi's second historic Israel visit: Strategic talk, Knesset address await

Over the two-day trip, he is scheduled to hold wide-ranging strategic talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and address the Knesset, underscoring the growing partnership between the two countries.

Discussions are expected to focus on defence and security, innovation, agriculture, water management, trade, and strengthening people-to-people ties, while also addressing key regional and global developments.

“This will be his second visit to Israel and it is going to be historic. India and Israel share strategic relations,” India’s Ambassador to Israel, JP Singh, said.

“Prime Minister Modi will hold detailed discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.”

The visit, at the invitation of Netanyahu, will focus on reviewing the progress of the India-Israel strategic partnership and exploring ways to further deepen cooperation.

Wide-ranging agenda

According to media reports, discussions will span defence and security, science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, trade, and people-to-people ties.

The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and global developments, including the situation in the Middle East.

“This visit will reaffirm the deep and long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries and provide an opportunity to review common challenges and align efforts toward a shared vision between two resilient democracies,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.

A private dinner hosted by Netanyahu on Wednesday evening is also part of the Prime Minister’s schedule.

Defence cooperation in focus

Defence collaboration is expected to feature prominently during delegation-level talks on Thursday.

Discussions may include cooperation in air-defence systems and potential synergies involving Israel’s Iron Dome, alongside India’s indigenous defence initiatives.

Strengthening strategic ties

This will be PM Modi’s second visit to Israel in nine years, following his landmark 2017 trip that elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. Since then, India and Israel have expanded cooperation across defence, cybersecurity, scientific research, innovation, and trade.

Economic engagement has also deepened, with progress on a Free Trade Agreement framework and a Bilateral Investment Agreement.

People-to-people ties remain strong, supported by a 41,000-strong Indian diaspora in Israel.

A bilateral labour mobility framework has enabled more than 20,000 Indian workers to take up legal employment in Israel since November 2023.

PM Modi’s visit is expected to further consolidate the India-Israel partnership at a time of heightened regional and global uncertainty.