PM Modi’s Israel visit to boost defence, counter-terror cooperation and strategic partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will leave for Israel on Wednesday for a two-day visit expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in defence, technology, agriculture, trade, counter-terrorism, and the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations.

PM Modi will pay a State visit to Israel on February 25-26 at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Tuesday.

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The visit marks PM Modi’s second trip to Israel, following his 2017 visit, when he became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country.

“This will be the second visit of the Prime Minister to Israel,” the MEA said.

“During the visit, PM Modi will meet Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu. 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,” the MEA said.

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

PM Modi will also call on Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel.

“This visit will reaffirm the deep and long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries and will present an opportunity to review common challenges as well as realign efforts towards achieving their shared vision for a robust partnership between two resilient democracies,” the statement added.

Ahead of PM Modi’s visit, Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said on Monday that the two nations would deepen their defence partnership by updating security agreements and discussing engagement in more sensitive projects.

In a video shared on X, he said, “Namaste, this is an exciting moment for India-Israel relations. We are looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel. When India and Israel come together, it’s never just a meeting. It’s a partnership built on trust, powered by innovation, and guided by a clear understanding of the challenges of our time. During this visit, we will move forward decisively.”

On Sunday, PM Modi warmly acknowledged Netanyahu’s personal tribute during a Cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, where the Israeli PM described him as a “dear friend” and hailed his upcoming visit as a milestone in bilateral ties.

Responding to a video posted by Netanyahu on X, PM Modi said, “Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu. I fully agree with you on the bond between India and Israel, as well as the diverse nature of our bilateral relations. India deeply values its enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to peace and progress. I look forward to our discussions during my upcoming Israel visit.”