Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Israel on 25–26 February 2026 marked a major step in strengthening the India–Israel Special Strategic Partnership, coming nine years after his historic 2017 visit. The trip took place amid a sensitive geopolitical situation in West Asia and focused on security, technology, and economic cooperation.
A key highlight was PM Modi’s historic address to the Knesset, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. In his speech, he strongly condemned the October 7, 2023 terror attacks and reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. He was later honored with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, the highest parliamentary honor of Israel.
The visit gave major impetus to defence and high-technology collaboration, including discussions on integrating Israeli systems with India’s Sudarshan Chakra air defence shield and cooperation on the Iron Beam laser-based defence platform. Economically, both sides pushed forward negotiations on a proposed India–Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with bilateral trade standing at USD 3.62 billion (FY 2024–25).
Several MoUs were exchanged, covering cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, investment, water management, and agriculture, including expansion of Centres of Excellence in India. On the regional front, discussions covered Israel’s proposed “Hexagon” alliance framework, India’s support for the Gaza Peace Initiative, and the strategic importance of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
