Indian PM Narendra Modi Arrives in Israel to Strengthen Strategic Cooperation

Summary

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Israel for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening cooperation in defence, trade and technology. The visit, his second as prime minister, comes amid growing regional tensions and criticism at home over India’s stance on the Gaza conflict.

Key Points

• Narendra Modi begins two-day official visit to Israel
• Meets Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog
• Talks focus on defence, trade, technology and cybersecurity
• India-Israel trade reached $3.62 billion in 2024-25
• Free Trade Agreement talks underway
• Visit draws criticism over Gaza conflict
• India balancing ties with Israel and Middle East nations

Detailed Article

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on Wednesday for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Modi, on his second visit to Israel as prime minister, was welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He is scheduled to hold talks with Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog and address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament.

In a statement before departing New Delhi, Modi said India and Israel share a “robust and multifaceted strategic partnership” that has significantly strengthened in recent years. Discussions are expected to focus on defence collaboration, trade, agriculture, technology and cybersecurity.

Trade between the two countries reached $3.62 billion in 2024-25, and negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement are currently underway. Israeli officials indicated that regional issues may also feature in discussions.

The visit has sparked criticism within India, with opposition leaders urging Modi to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza during his speech in Israel. India has historically balanced its ties between Israel and Arab nations, while also maintaining relations with Iran and Gulf countries.

Full diplomatic relations between India and Israel were established in 1992, and ties have deepened significantly since Modi took office in 2014. Both leaders have described each other as close partners.

While defence and technological cooperation remain central to the relationship, analysts say India is unlikely to join any formal regional alliance, given its longstanding policy of strategic autonomy.