New Delhi, Feb 25 (.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday morning departed for his two-day state visit to Israel, a trip that is expected to sharpen the strategic edge of India-Israel ties, with an upgraded security partnership high on the agenda.
The visit, his second to Israel after the landmark 2017 trip, comes at a time when both countries are looking to deepen cooperation in defence, technology and trade, while also pushing forward negotiations on a proposed free trade agreement later this year.
In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said, “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.”
Describing the relationship as dynamic and forward-looking, he noted, “India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted strategic partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years.”
The Prime Minister said he was keen to expand collaboration across sectors. “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, technology, 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 said.
According to an official statement, “The two leaders will review the significant progress made in the India-Israel strategic partnership and discuss further opportunities in various areas of cooperation, including science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and economy, and people-to-people exchanges.”
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport later in the day, where he will be received before holding talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. In the evening, he will address the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so.
“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,” he said.
The Prime Minister will also visit a technology and innovation exhibition before attending a private dinner hosted by Prime Minister Netanyahu.
On Thursday, he is scheduled to pay homage at Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial dedicated to the memory of six million Jews killed in the Holocaust. He will also meet Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, followed by delegation-level talks and the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding.
The Prime Minister expressed particular warmth about engaging with the Indian community in Israel. “I also eagerly look forward to interacting with the members of the Indian diaspora who have for long been nurturing the India-Israel special friendship,” he said.
Voicing confidence in the outcomes of the visit, he added, “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.”
. PWS PRS
