New Delhi, Feb 25:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Israel today on a high-profile, two-day state visit aimed at elevating the India-Israel strategic partnership to new heights. Describing the bond between the two nations as “robust and multifaceted,” the Prime Minister expressed his eagerness to consolidate “enduring bonds” with the Jewish nation.
This visit, occurring at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marks PM Modi’s second trip to Israel since his historic first visit in 2017.
A Historic Address at the Knesset
In a moment of significant diplomatic pride, PM Modi will become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament.
“I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations,” PM Modi stated in his departure message.
The address, scheduled for later today, is being viewed as a testament to the deep mutual respect and shared democratic values between the two countries.
The Agenda: Innovation, Defence, and The ‘Hexagon’
The Prime Minister’s itinerary is packed with high-level meetings and strategic dialogues. Key focus areas include:
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Strategic Talks: PM Modi will hold extensive discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu on science, technology, innovation, agriculture, and water management.
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Security & Defence: A cornerstone of the visit will be strengthening defence ties, including potential collaboration on advanced air-defence technologies and cybersecurity.
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The Hexagon Alliance: Discussions are expected to touch upon Netanyahu’s proposed “Hexagon of Alliances,” which aims to unite India with Israel, Greece, Cyprus, and several Arab nations to foster regional stability.
- Diplomatic Engagements: Apart from PM Netanyahu, the Prime Minister will call on Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Honouring Shared History
The visit also carries deep symbolic weight. PM Modi is scheduled to visit Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, to pay his respects. He will also interact with the vibrant Indian diaspora in Israel, which includes over 100,000 Jews of Indian origin who serve as a living bridge between the two civilizations.
| Event | Details |
| Visit Duration | February 25–26, 2026 |
| Historic Event | First Indian PM to address the Knesset |
| Key Partners | PM Benjamin Netanyahu & President Isaac Herzog |
| Main Sectors | Defence, AI, Quantum Computing, and Agri-tech |
| Cultural Touchpoint | Visit to Yad Vashem & Diaspora interaction |
As the world watches, this visit is expected to not only solidify existing bilateral agreements but also set a new, innovative trajectory for the India-Israel relationship in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
