PM Modi Heads to Israel for Two-Day Visit, Set to Address Knesset and Hold Key Bilateral Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday left New Delhi for a two day visit to Israel, underscoring what both sides have described as a historic moment in the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will meet his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

The two leaders will review the significant progress made in the India Israel Strategic Partnership and discuss further opportunities in science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and economy, and people to people exchanges.

They are also expected to exchange perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

The Prime Minister will call on Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel. The visit is set to reaffirm the deep and long standing strategic partnership between the two countries and provide an opportunity to review common challenges and realign efforts towards achieving their shared vision for a robust partnership between two resilient democracies.

Israeli PM Netanyahu termed the upcoming visit "historic" and described Prime Minister Modi as a "dear friend", highlighting the growing strategic alignment between the two countries.

Calling the relationship a "powerful alliance between two global leaders", Netanyahu noted that Israel and India are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision.

"Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress," he added, specifically referring to cooperation in emerging technologies and broader geopolitical coordination.

He emphasised that the fabric of the relationship will be tightened further through decisions related to economic, diplomatic, and security cooperation.

What Did PM Modi Say About India’s Enduring Friendship with Israel?

Prime Minister Modi said that India deeply values its enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to peace and progress.

Responding to Netanyahu’s social media post, he said he agrees about the strong bond between India and Israel and the diverse nature of bilateral relations between the two countries.

PM Modi added that he is looking forward to discussions between the two sides during his upcoming visit to Israel.

Ahead of the visit, India and Israel began the first round of negotiations for a proposed Free Trade Agreement in New Delhi.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met an Israeli delegation visiting India for the negotiations and described the discussions as an important milestone in enhancing bilateral economic ties.

“The FTA negotiations mark an important step towards enhancing India-Israel bilateral trade & economic cooperation, aimed at creating greater opportunities for businesses and people on both sides,” Piyush Goyal said.

(With inputs from ANI)