PM Modi to visit Israel on Feb 25-26

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Israel from February 25 to 26 , in what will be his second trip to the country and a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu first announced the visit while addressing the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations, describing India as a powerful global player and praising the strong alliance between the two nations. Diplomatic sources indicate that although the visit will be brief, its impact is expected to be substantial.

Modi is likely to address the Knesset , Israel’s parliament, and hold high-level discussions on bilateral and regional issues. His visit follows the historic 2017 trip — the first ever by an Indian Prime minister which elevated ties to a strategic partnership.

India and Israel established diplomatic relations in 1992 and have since built cooperation across defence, agriculture, water management, cybersecurity, and innovation . Israel remains among India’s key defence partners, supplying advanced systems including drones, missile defence technology, and surveillance equipment, while both nations increasingly focus on joint development and production aligned with India’s Make in India initiative.

Bilateral trade, excluding defence, is estimated at $10–12 billion annually , driven by diamonds, chemicals, electronics, and high-technology sectors. Negotiations toward a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have accelerated following recent ministerial exchanges and the signing of a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) . Visits by Israeli ministers and Indian leaders, including Piyush Goyal and S. Jaishankar , have reinforced economic and strategic engagement.

Recent defence and technology agreements have expanded collaboration in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, research, and innovation , while both countries continue to strengthen cooperation against terrorism and regional security threats. Modi’s visit also comes amid India’s broader West Asia engagement and cooperation under the I2U2 framework, highlighting growing strategic convergence.