‘Ties will be strengthened’: PM Modi sets off for Israel – what’s on the agenda India News

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said his visit to Israel will further cement ties between the two countries Ahead of his two-day visit, Prime Minister Modi said he looked forward to discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“At the invitation of my dear friend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I will pay a state visit to Israel from February 25 to 26, 2026. India and Israel share a strong and multifaceted strategic partnership, which has achieved significant growth and dynamism in recent years,” the Prime Minister said.“I look forward to discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation in various fields including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defense and security, trade and investment, and people-to-people relations. We will also exchange views on regional and global issues of common concern. “Prime Minister Modi also expressed his belief that this visit will further strengthen relations between the two countries and set new goals for the strategic partnership.During my visit, I will also meet with Israeli President Herzog. I will also have the honor of being the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset, an occasion that will be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two countries together. I also eagerly look forward to interacting with the Indian diaspora who have long fostered the special friendship between India and Israel. I am confident that my state visit will further cement the enduring ties between our two countries, set new goals for the strategic partnership, and advance our shared vision of a resilient, innovative and prosperous future.ALSO READ | PM Modi tells Mantris to prepare list of reforms and provide detailswhat’s on the agenda This will be Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to Israel. In 2017, he became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country, a visit that elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently visited India in January 2018.During the visit, Modi plans to hold delegation-level talks with Netanyahu. He will also meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and address the Knesset. Netanyahu is expected to host a private dinner for him. The itinerary includes innovative events in Jerusalem and a joint visit to Yad Vashem (World Holocaust Memorial Center).Defense and security prioritiesDefense and security cooperation are likely to be a focus of discussions. Israel remains a major supplier of military platforms and weapons systems to India. The parties are expected to review ongoing collaboration and explore further collaboration. India, which is developing an indigenous air defense shield called the Sudarshan Chakra, may look into the possibility of incorporating some elements of Israel’s Iron Dome system, the Press Trust of India reported.ALSO READ | PM Modi heads to Israel, with trade, defense and security on agenda amid US threats to attack IranTrade, technology and economic tiesEconomic participation is also expected to be high on the agenda. During Commerce Minister Goyal’s visit to Israel in November, the two sides signed terms of reference for launching free trade agreement negotiations. In September, the two countries concluded a bilateral investment agreement aimed at expanding economic cooperation. The leaders will also review progress in science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water resources management, trade and people-to-people exchanges, the MEA said.Regional tensions and the ‘hexagon’The leaders are expected to exchange views on regional and global developments, including the situation in Gaza and wider tensions in West Asia. Ahead of the visit, Netanyahu described the visit as “historic” and called Modi a “dear friend.” He also outlined a broader diplomatic vision for a “hexagon” alliance of India, Arab states, African states and Mediterranean states aimed at strengthening coordination among like-minded countries to counter the region’s radical axis.