NEW DELHI: The Indian government on Tuesday formally announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Israel, beginning Wednesday, describing it as an effort to reinforce the deep-rooted strategic partnership between the two nations and to recalibrate cooperation in line with their shared vision as resilient democracies.
Upon his arrival, Modi is scheduled to hold an informal meeting with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, followed by an address to the Knesset. Later in the day, he will visit a technology and innovation exhibition and attend a private dinner hosted by Netanyahu. Delegation-level talks between the two leaders are slated for Thursday.
An upgraded security agreement is expected to be among the key outcomes of the visit, which marks Modi’s second trip to Israel. The two sides are also working toward concluding a free trade agreement later this year. In a statement, the Indian government said the leaders would review progress in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and explore further collaboration in areas such as science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and economic ties, and people-to-people exchanges.
Discussions are also likely to cover regional and global developments of mutual concern.
During his visit, Modi will call on Israeli President Isaac Herzog and pay tribute at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center.
The trip comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, including strains between Israel and the United States and Washington’s threat of potential military action against Iran. Notably, India announced the visit only on the eve of Modi’s departure to Tel Aviv.
Ahead of the visit, Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, expressed optimism about tangible progress in security, defence and trade ties. He noted that as global threats evolve, both countries intend to deepen their defence partnership by updating existing security agreements, enabling collaboration on more sensitive projects and joint development initiatives.
Azar also highlighted growing economic momentum, citing the recently signed bilateral investment treaty and ongoing negotiations toward a free trade agreement, which both sides hope to finalize this year.
