Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Israel on February 25, 2026, kicking off a high-profile two-day state visit. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally greeted him with a warm hug at Ben Gurion Airport, about 20 km southeast of Tel Aviv. This ceremonial welcome echoes their friendly 2017 encounter, signaling the deep bond between the two leaders.
First-Ever Knesset Speech on Horizon
Later today, PM Modi will make history as the first Indian Prime Minister to address Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset. This milestone underscores the evolving India-Israel partnership. In a private tete-a-tete with Netanyahu, they will review key areas like defense, technology, agriculture, trade, and security. PM Modi is also set to meet President Isaac Herzog.
The visit highlights shared priorities in innovation and counter-terrorism. Bilateral trade hit $3.75 billion in FY 2024-25, with focus on AI, quantum computing, and economic growth amid global tensions.
Why This Matters for India-Israel Ties
This is Modi’s second official trip to Israel since 2017, at Netanyahu’s invitation. It reaffirms commitments to stability and mutual interests. Discussions may touch on regional challenges, strengthening strategic cooperation between the democracies.
In a post-arrival message, Modi expressed honor at the reception, setting a positive tone. The itinerary promises breakthroughs in high-tech collaboration, benefiting both nations.
