India's PM Narendra Modi visits Israel

JERUSALEM,— Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two day visit to Israel on Wednesday, focusing on expanding security, economic and technology cooperation between the two countries.

Modi arrived in Tel Aviv and was greeted at the airport by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu. The two leaders embraced warmly as Modi stepped off the plane and walked down the stairs.

The reception highlighted the closer ties that have developed between Israel and India under Modi’s leadership.

His government has taken a different approach in relations with Israel compared to previous administrations. India had long supported the Palestinians and only established full diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992.

In a statement released by Netanyahu’s office, the leaders’ relationship was described as a close personal bond built on deep and long standing friendship.

The visit comes at a time when Israel has faced growing diplomatic challenges with several allies since the war in Gaza began in October 2023.

During his trip, Modi is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. He is also set to address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, and visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu’s office said the two sides plan to sign multiple agreements covering economic, security and political cooperation.

Before landing in Tel Aviv, Modi wrote on the social media platform X that India and Israel share a strong and wide ranging strategic partnership. He said that relations between the two countries have grown significantly in recent years.

India is considered a key partner for Israel. It is Israel’s second largest trading partner in Asia. Trade between the two countries reached $3.62 billion in the 2025 fiscal year, based on figures from India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Modi made history in 2017 when he became the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel. Netanyahu traveled to India the following year, marking a return visit.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu said that economic and security matters would be central topics in their discussions.

He also mentioned cooperation in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

Ahead of the visit, Netanyahu wrote on X that Israel and India are partners in innovation, security and a shared strategic vision. He said the two nations are working together to support stability and progress.

Modi, known for his Hindu nationalist policies, was among the first world leaders to express support for Israel after the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by the Arab Islamist militant group Hamas of Gaza.

Earlier this month, India joined more than 100 countries in criticizing Israel’s new measures to strengthen its control over the occupied West Bank and reduce the limited authority of the so-called “Palestinian” Authority.

The visit comes at a time when the United States has increased its military presence near Iran. Washington has sent a large naval force close to Iran’s coastline as talks over Tehran’s nuclear program remain at a standstill. The Pentagon has also deployed an aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean Sea, heading toward Israel’s coast.

A potential U.S. strike on Iran could lead to retaliation from Tehran. Analysts say such retaliation might target Israel as well as U.S. military bases in Gulf Arab states. Millions of Indian citizens live and work in those countries, sending billions of dollars in remittances back home each year.

(With files from AP | Reuters)