PM Modi Departs For Israel On Two-Day Historic Visit; Strategic And Defence Ties In Focus

 

 

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday embarked on a two-day State visit to Israel, his second to the nation as PM, with a focus on strengthening the strategic, defence and economic ties between the two countries. He departed for Tel Aviv, Israel, from New Delhi at around 9 AM today.

As per a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders are expected to review the progress made under the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and explore new opportunities for cooperation.

 

Key areas of discussion will include science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and economic ties, as well as people-to-people exchanges. The two leaders are also likely to exchange views on important regional and global issues of mutual interest, PMO added.

Ahead of his department to Tel Aviv, PM Modi said he is looking forward to his discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, technology, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties. "India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years... We will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest," said PM in his departure statement.

 

During his visit, PM Modi will also address the Knesset (Israeli Parliament). "...I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations," the statement added.

Prime Minister Modi will also call on Israeli President Isaac Herzog during the visit. He said he is eagerly looking forward to interacting with the members of the Indian diaspora who have for long been "nurturing the India-Israel special friendship".

 

The trip is expected to reaffirm the deep and long-standing strategic partnership between India and Israel. It will also provide an opportunity for both countries to address shared challenges and further strengthen collaboration between the two democracies, PMO said.

Ahead of the historic visit, Leader of Opposition in Israel, Yair Lapid, hailed PM Modi as a "true friend of Israel". In a post on X in Hindi, Lapid said, "All of Israel is excited to welcome Prime Minister Modi... He is a true friend of Israel. The relationship between Israel and India is not merely a strategic one, but a bond of deep friendship between the nations."

 

India, Israel To Upgrade Relations To 'Special Strategic Partnership'

India and Israel's relations will likely be upgraded to a "special strategic partnership" during PM Modi's visit, marking a "significant leap ahead" similar to Jerusalem's ties with countries such as the US and Germany.

This will be PM Modi's second visit to Israel in nine years. The India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of strategic partnership during Modi's first visit to that country in July 2017.

The upgraded "special strategic partnership" agreement will allow for a further developed stage of ties that will lead to joint development of advanced defence systems and an understanding to stand by each other in times of need.

"The two countries have been reliable partners over the years and it has been proven in hours of crises. This is only being formally recognised during PM Modi’s visit," PTI quoted sources as saying.

 

PM Modi will be received by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara at the airport. In Jerusalem, Modi would be meeting people from the Indian community and then go to the Knesset (Israeli parliament) to address the lawmakers, a rare honour extended to chosen world leaders.

Wednesday evening, he will attend an exhibition where Israel would showcase its technological advancement with top Israeli executives in attendance. Netanyahu is scheduled to host a private dinner for Modi on Wednesday night.

As per the official schedule, PM Modi would pay his respects to the victims of Holocaust at Yad Vashem on Thursday morning before meeting the Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Several MoUs are to be signed between the two countries with a much publicised one in the field of Defence cooperation. "As part of the agreement, a secrecy mechanism will be established that will open several new categories so far unavailable," sources told PTI.

 

Local media has reported that important understandings are being established in areas such as air defence systems, along with the integration of India into the laser-based air defence system (Or Eitan).

Israel and India will also sign a series of memorandums of understanding for cooperation with an emphasis on disruptive technologies such as AI, quantum and cyber.

"The visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the Strategic Partnership, and advance the shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future," the PMO said.