Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on Tuesday for his second official visit, underlining the growing strategic and technological partnership between the two countries. Modi was warmly received at the Tel Aviv airport by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu.
“I am extremely honoured to be received by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs. Netanyahu at the airport. I look forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship,” PM Modi said in a post on X. In response, Netanyahu tweeted, “Welcome to Israel, my dear friend PM Narendra Modi.”
The two leaders shared a warm exchange at the airport, reflecting the close ties between India and Israel. Modi’s visit, scheduled from February 25 to 26, 2026, will include delegation-level talks with Netanyahu and an address to the Israeli Parliament.
Focus on Strategic Cooperation
The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the significance of the visit, emphasizing “mutual trust” and “shared priorities” between the two nations. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Israel is an important partner of India across strategic and technological domains, with deep cooperation in science and technology, innovation, defence, and agriculture. The relationship is anchored in mutual trust, shared priorities, and a growing convergence in futuristic technologies.”
Officials expect the discussions to cover a wide range of cooperation, including innovation, agriculture, defense collaboration, and emerging technologies. The visit is seen as part of India and Israel’s efforts to strengthen their strategic partnership and expand bilateral trade and scientific collaboration.
Indian Diaspora Welcomes PM Modi
The Indian community in Israel also prepared to welcome the Prime Minister. A young dancer named Soniya expressed her excitement, saying, “I will be performing Tiruwadra, Kerala’s traditional dance form, in front of PM Modi. I have been preparing for two weeks and I am very excited.”
Events with the diaspora form an important part of the visit, showcasing people-to-people ties and cultural exchange alongside diplomatic engagements.
Opposition Criticism
The visit has not been without controversy. The Indian National Congress criticized the Prime Minister’s trip, accusing the Modi government of sidelining Palestinian concerns. Party leaders highlighted ongoing tensions in the West Bank and Gaza. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “Israel’s dispossession and displacement of thousands of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank has intensified and drawn worldwide condemnation. Yet the Prime Minister is going to Israel to embrace his good friend Mr. Netanyahu, who faces serious corruption charges.”
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called on PM Modi to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during his address to the Israeli Parliament. BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia responded sharply to the criticism, dismissing the remarks with a political jibe.
