Netanyahu Calls Modi’s Upcoming Visit A ‘Historic Milestone’ In Israel-India Ties

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hailed the upcoming visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a historic occasion, underscoring the deepening partnership between Israel and India in innovation, security, and shared strategic goals.

Speaking at the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday and in a subsequent post on X, Netanyahu warmly referred to Modi as his “dear friend” and described the bilateral relationship as a “powerful alliance between two global leaders.” He emphasized that the two nations are collaborating closely on cutting-edge technologies and regional stability. “We are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision,” Netanyahu stated. “Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress.”

Netanyahu highlighted how ties have strengthened markedly in recent years, both personally through frequent phone conversations and mutual visits and at the governmental level. He recalled past interactions, including a joint experience in the Mediterranean, and noted that Modi’s visit would further solidify cooperation through decisions on economic, diplomatic, and security matters.

The visit, scheduled for Wednesday, includes several key engagements: Modi will address Israel’s Knesset parliament, where Netanyahu expressed confidence in strong attendance; the leaders will participate in an innovation-focused event in Jerusalem; and they will jointly visit Yad Vashem, the national Holocaust memorial.

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Netanyahu stressed the priority on advancing high-tech collaboration, particularly in artificial intelligence and quantum computing. “I say AI and quantum not because they are the future, but because they are the present,” he remarked, adding that both countries aspire to global leadership in these domains.

On the geopolitical front, Netanyahu outlined a broader vision of alliances, describing a “hexagon” encompassing India, Arab states, African countries, Mediterranean partners such as Greece and Cyprus, and select Asian nations. This framework aims to unite countries aligned on regional realities, challenges, and objectives particularly in countering what he termed the radical Shia axis (which Israel has confronted decisively) and an emerging radical Sunni axis to promote resilience and long-term security.

This trip marks Modi’s second official visit to Israel, following his groundbreaking 2017 journey as the first sitting Indian prime minister to travel there.