'We Are Personal Friends,' Says Netanyahu Ahead of PM Modi’s Israel Visit

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Israel as "historic," highlighting the deepening partnership between the two countries across innovation, security, and regional cooperation.

PM Modi’s visit to Israel is scheduled on Wednesday, marking his second visit to the country since 2017.

“We are personal friends; we speak frequently on the phone and visit one another. I have visited India, and Modi has visited here. We waded together in the waters of the Mediterranean, and much water has flowed since then in the Mediterranean, the Ganges, and the Jordan, though less in the Jordan,” he added.

“In any case, one thing has happened: The fabric of this relationship has grown tighter, and he is coming here so we can tighten it further through a series of decisions related to strengthening cooperation between our governments and countries. This includes economic, diplomatic and security cooperation,” Netanyahu said.

What Is PM Modi’s Planned Itinerary During His Israel Visit?

Netanyahu detailed PM Modi's itinerary, saying the Indian Prime Minister will deliver a speech at the Knesset and participate in an innovation event in Jerusalem.

The two leaders will also visit Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.

"On Wednesday, the Prime Minister of India will arrive. He will deliver a speech at the Knesset, and I am sure you will all be there. We will also hold an innovation event in Jerusalem and visit Yad Vashem together,” Netanyahu said.

Emphasising technological collaboration, the Israeli Prime Minister said the two countries would promote cooperation in high-tech sectors, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

"I say AI and quantum not because they are the future, but because they are the present. We, of course, want to be among the world's leading nations in these fields," he said.

In a post on X, Netanyahu described PM Modi as a "dear friend" and said, "This morning, at the opening of our Cabinet meeting, I spoke about the historic visit of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to Israel this coming Wednesday.”

“The bond between Israel and India is a powerful alliance between two global leaders. We are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision. Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress. From AI to regional cooperation, our partnership continues to reach new heights. Looking forward to seeing you in Jerusalem, PM Modi,” he added.

What Is Netanyahu’s 'Hexagon' Vision of the Middle East and Global Alliances?

Netanyahu also spoke about a broader diplomatic vision, outlining the concept of a "hexagon" of alliances in and around the Middle East.

"In the vision I see before me, we will create an entire system, essentially a 'hexagon' of alliances around or within the Middle East. This includes India, Arab nations, African nations, Mediterranean nations (Greece and Cyprus), and nations in Asia that I won't detail at the moment. I will present this in an organized manner," he said.

"The intention here is to create an axis of nations that see eye-to-eye on the reality, challenges, and goals against the radical axes, both the radical Shia axis, which we have struck very hard, and the emerging radical Sunni axis. All of these nations share a different perception, and our cooperation can yield great results and, of course, ensure our resilience and our future."

The visit comes in the backdrop of India's recent AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, the first international AI summit in the Global South, which brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and civil society representatives to deliberate on responsible AI governance and inclusive technological advancement.

During Modi's visit, both countries are expected to strengthen cooperation across economic, diplomatic, and security spheres, while also exploring emerging technologies and broader geopolitical coordination.

The visit also follows developments from the Board of Peace meeting on February 19, an initiative originating from US President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan endorsed by the UN Security Council, which has since expanded beyond its original scope.

(With inputs from ANI)