Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for a two-day state visit to Israel on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with the primary goals of bolstering defence cooperation, expanding trade, and formally elevating bilateral relations to a “special strategic partnership.”
This marks Modi’s first return to Israel since his historic 2017 trip, which originally established the strategic partnership between the two countries. Israeli sources described the forthcoming upgrade as a substantial step forward, placing India-Israel ties on a level comparable to Israel’s longstanding alliances with the United States and Germany.
The enhanced partnership is anticipated to enable collaborative development of cutting-edge defence technologies and provide a framework for mutual assistance during emergencies. Officials highlighted the proven reliability of the two nations as partners in difficult circumstances, now being formally acknowledged through this visit.
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Modi received a warm airport welcome from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara. Following a short reception, the leaders held private one-on-one discussions before Modi proceeded to Jerusalem.
In the capital, Modi interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and delivered an address to Israel’s parliament, the Knesset—a distinction granted to only a select group of global leaders.
Later Wednesday, he visited an exhibition showcasing Israel’s latest technological breakthroughs, attended by senior executives from prominent Israeli firms. Netanyahu hosted a private dinner for Modi that evening.
On Thursday, Modi paid tribute to Holocaust victims at Yad Vashem, followed by a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
The visit includes the signing of several memorandums of understanding, with defence cooperation taking centre stage. Key among them is the establishment of enhanced secrecy protocols, unlocking new areas of collaboration previously restricted. Israeli media reports point to advancements in air defence, including potential Indian integration into the laser-based Or Eitan system.
Further agreements target frontier technologies, encompassing artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the visit reaffirms the enduring strategic partnership between the two democracies. It offers a platform to evaluate shared security concerns and coordinate efforts toward a more robust collaboration.
Defence has remained a foundational element of India-Israel relations in recent years, with Israel serving as a major supplier of military hardware and platforms. Ties have also expanded significantly in scientific research, cybersecurity, and innovation-driven sectors.
