Ahead of PM Modi’s visit, Netanyahu hails India-Israel ties, pushes Middle East alliance against ‘radical axis’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday highlighted the bilateral relationship between India and Israel ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. PM Modi will arrive in Israel on February 25 for a two-day official visit, his second trip to the country since 2017.

Ahead of Modi’s visit, Netanyahu said that 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,” Netanyahu said on X.

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Sharing his remarks from Israel’s weekly Cabinet meeting on X, Netanyahu said the upcoming visit of PM Modi is a key expression of the special relationship forged in recent years between Israel and India.

The Israeli Prime Minister also spoke about creating a system of alliance “around or within the Middle East” against the “radical axis”.

“On Wednesday, the Prime Minister of India, my friend Narendra Modi, will arrive in Israel. In the vision I see before my eyes, we will create a complete system of alliances around or within the Middle East. An axis of countries that see reality, the challenges, and the goals with one eye, facing the radical axis,” the Israeli Prime Minister said.

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Responding to Netanyahu’s post, PM Modi said that he fully agrees with the Israeli leader on the bond between the two countries.

“India deeply values the enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation and a shared commitment to peace and progress,” Modi said, adding, “Looking forward to our discussions during my upcoming Israel visit.”

The agenda for PM Modi’s February 25-26 visit includes his address to the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament) in the afternoon, a joint visit to Yad Vashem — the Holocaust memorial — with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, and participation in an innovation event in Jerusalem focused on high-tech collaboration, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies.