Narendra Modi Israel Visit Special Strategic Partnership Upgrade Defence Technology Trade Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Israel on a two-day official visit from today. The visit is being seen as a growing Special Strategic Partnership between India and Israel. To welcome Prime Minister Modi, Israel’s Parliament Knesset was decorated with lights in the colors of the Indian tricolor.

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu will greet Prime Minister Modi at the airport. According to the official programme, after the reception at the airport, a One-to-One meeting will be held between the two leaders followed by a delegation level discussion.

Former Prime Minister of Israel and Leader of Opposition Yair Lapid welcomed Prime Minister Modi by posting in Hindi on social media platform X. He wrote that the whole of Israel is excited to welcome Prime Minister Modi and described the India-Israel relationship as not only strategic but a bond of deep friendship.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana took to social media to share a photo of the Knesset being lit up in the colors of the tricolor, calling it a symbolic tribute to the strengthening India-Israel partnership.

According to sources, during this visit both the countries will enhance their relations to Special Strategic Partnership. This will deepen cooperation in areas like defence, technology, cyber security, agriculture, water management and trade. As stated, this progress is being counted on the lines of Israel’s relations with countries like America and Germany. An understanding on Joint Development of Advanced Defense Systems and mutual cooperation at times of need will be formalized.

Prime Minister Modi had earlier visited Israel in July 2017, when the relationship between the two countries was given the status of Strategic Partnership. The current visit is being linked with taking the relationship to the next level.

According to the programme, Prime Minister Modi will meet members of the Indian community in Jerusalem and address the Knesset. It is considered a special honor for a foreign leader to have the opportunity to address the Knesset. In the evening, the Prime Minister will attend the Technology Expo, where Israel’s Innovation and Startup Ecosystem will be presented. At night, Prime Minister Netanyahu will host a private dinner in his honor.

The main objective of the visit is to strengthen defense and trade cooperation. Both countries are cooperating in defense equipment, missile systems, drone technology and cyber security. The trade sector is also witnessing growth in exports and investment. The possibility of speeding up the Free Trade Agreement under the new partnership has been expressed.