Modi begins two-day Israel visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two‑day visit to Israel, meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and addressing the Knesset as both governments signalled intent to deepen bilateral ties across security, technology and trade. Officials described the visit as an opportunity to expand cooperation on defence, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, agriculture, water management and innovation, and to pursue new partnerships and memorandums of understanding that could boost trade and research links.

Leaders discussed counterterrorism and defence collaboration, with Israel positioned as a key supplier as India seeks advanced military and technological cooperation. Delegations were expected to advance talks on strengthening industrial and startup connections, and officials framed the engagement as part of a broader upgrade in the strategic relationship forged since Modi became the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel in 2017.

Modi’s Knesset speech invoked shared democratic values and historical ties between the peoples of India and Israel, and he praised Israeli technological achievements while calling for deeper collaboration on renewable energy and other civilian sectors. Netanyahu welcomed the visit publicly, calling it a chance to deepen diplomatic and financial cooperation.

The visit takes place against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions linked to U.S. military deployments near Iran amid stalled nuclear talks, a context both leaders acknowledged while emphasising the priority of regional stability. Israel has been seeking to expand its military exports and partnerships, and the talks included discussion of defence trade opportunities.

Domestic symbolism and diplomacy were evident: Modi is expected to lay a wreath at Yad Vashem and to engage with Israeli lawmakers and business leaders, while both sides used the meetings to highlight mutual economic interests and the strategic importance of stronger ties. Observers note the visit underscores India’s growing diplomatic engagement in the Middle East and Israel’s outreach beyond its immediate neighbourhood, with practical outcomes to be measured by subsequent agreements on trade, technology transfer and security cooperation.