Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday for a two-day state visit to Israel at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu. Scheduled from February 25-26, the visit is being viewed by officials as a key moment in the expanding India-Israel Strategic Partnership.
During the visit, Modi will hold comprehensive talks with Prime Minister Netanyahu, address the Knesset, and participate in a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of sectors.
#WATCH | Tel Aviv, Israel: PM Narendra Modi receives ceremonial welcome
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with his wife Sara Netanyahu, received PM Modi at the airport
(Source: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/mirQPV3RsP
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2026
In his departure statement issued ahead of the trip, Modi referred to Netanyahu as a “dear friend” and highlighted the importance of the visit in advancing bilateral relations. “India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years,” Modi said.
“I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains,” he added.
India and Israel elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership in 2017, a step that significantly accelerated collaboration in defence technology, agriculture, water management, and innovation-led sectors. Since then, bilateral trade has grown steadily, with both countries working to expand economic engagement beyond traditional areas such as diamonds and pharmaceuticals.
Officials indicated that the leaders’ discussions will span science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water resource management, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people exchanges. They are also expected to review pressing regional and global developments.
Diplomatic sources said the talks are likely to lay the groundwork for enhanced cooperation in emerging technologies and joint research initiatives, underscoring the shared focus on innovation-driven growth. “The visit marks the next stage of a partnership rooted in trust and strategic convergence,” a senior official said. “There is a strong intent on both sides to deepen collaboration in cutting-edge sectors while broadening commercial and security ties.”
A key highlight of the visit will be Modi’s address to the Knesset, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. Describing the opportunity as a tribute to the democratic traditions shared by both nations, Modi said he was honoured to speak before Israel’s legislature.
Observers believe the address will symbolize the growing political trust between New Delhi and Jerusalem and reinforce the democratic values that underpin the bilateral relationship.
Modi is also scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog, an engagement expected to reaffirm the institutional bonds between the two democracies.
The Prime Minister expressed enthusiasm about interacting with the Indian diaspora in Israel, acknowledging their longstanding role in strengthening people-to-people ties. “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.
The Indian community in Israel — including Jewish communities of Indian origin and Indian professionals in technology and healthcare —has served as a cultural and economic bridge between the two nations.
The visit takes place against the backdrop of shifting geopolitical dynamics in West Asia. Both countries are seeking to enhance strategic coordination while expanding cooperation in technology, trade, and security.
Expressing optimism about the outcomes of the trip, Modi said he is confident the 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.”
Diplomatic observers describe the visit as a milestone that could shape the next phase of India–Israel relations, reinforcing a partnership that has strengthened steadily over the past decade and positioning it for deeper collaboration in an increasingly complex global environment.