India's Modi Underscores 'Deep And Enduring Friendship' With Israel Ahead Of Visit

2026-02-23 04:29:54

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the deep and enduring friendship between India and Israel, ahead of his two-day visit to the country beginning Wednesday, February 24.

Responding to a post by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on X, Modi said:“Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu. I fully agree with you on the bond between India and Israel as well as the diverse nature of our bilateral relations.

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India deeply values the enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation and a shared commitment to peace and progress. Looking forward to our discussions during my upcoming Israel visit.”

Netanyahu, in his post on X, said:“The bond between Israel and India is a powerful alliance between two global leaders. We are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision. Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress. From AI to regional cooperation, our partnership continues to reach new heights. Looking forward to seeing you in Jerusalem, PM Modi!”

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This will be Modi's second trip to Israel, after his 2017 visit. Netanyahu also announced that Modi will address Israel's parliament Knesset. It is seen as a rare honour underscoring the warmth between the two countries. In 2015, then Indian president, the late President Pranab Mukherjee had addressed the Knesset.

Defence and strategic cooperation

During his meetiing with Netanyahu, Modi is expected to sign agreements covering technology, security, artificial intelligence, agriculture, water management, and trade. But the key discussions would focus on defence and strategic cooperation between the two countries. Israel has been a key supplier of advanced military technology to India.

The new initiatives likely to be taken up at the meeting include joint development of anti-ballistic missile defence systems, directed-energy laser weapons, long-range stand-off missiles and next-generation drones. The two sides are also looking at expanded cooperation on advanced systems including Iron Dome, David's Sling and Arrow and support for India's 'Mission Sudershan' to protect against long-range threats.

According to NDTV, Netanyahu had told the television channel last August that Israeli equipment had helped India perform effectively during its Operation Sindoor, the four-day conflict with Pakistan last year.

The two countries have been getting closer of later and senior ministers from both India and Israel have been visiting the capitals. India's external affairs minister S. Jaishankar and commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal have visited Israel recently, while many Israeli ministers also visited India. A large Israeli delegation comprising government and private sector leaders participated at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi recently, reflecting their close ties in emerging technologies including AI.

Netanyahu had also undertaken a six-day visit to India in 2018.