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Modi Visits Israel, Strengthening Ties

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. 02/25/modi-visits-israel-strengthening-ties.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 10:44 GMT by ThePrint
      Locales: INDIA, ISRAEL

Jerusalem - February 25th, 2026 - Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel today, Wednesday, February 25th, for a two-day state visit, solidifying a rapidly evolving strategic partnership between the two nations. This visit, occurring nearly nine years after his groundbreaking 2017 trip - the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 70 years - signals a continued prioritization of the India-Israel relationship within India's foreign policy framework.

The centerpiece of the visit is Prime Minister Modi's address to the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. This is an exceptionally rare honour extended to few foreign leaders, underscoring the significance Israel places on its relationship with India. The speech, titled 'India-Israel: Strengthening Partnership', is expected to outline a vision for further collaboration in key areas and reflect on the 75 years of diplomatic ties established between the two countries.

Beyond the symbolic weight of the Knesset address, the visit boasts a packed agenda. Modi is scheduled to meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Discussions are anticipated to revolve around broadening cooperation in crucial sectors, most notably technology, defense, and agriculture. Sources indicate a renewed focus on joint ventures in critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and space exploration. Both nations are eager to leverage their respective strengths - India's talent pool and burgeoning digital economy, coupled with Israel's renowned innovation ecosystem - to drive mutually beneficial growth.

This visit is not simply a celebration of past achievements. It comes at a pivotal moment, with global geopolitical landscapes shifting rapidly. Regional security concerns are expected to be high on the agenda, particularly discussions regarding shared threats from regional instability and the evolving security dynamics in the Middle East. Analysts predict conversations will touch upon intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism cooperation, and collaborative efforts to ensure maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. The increasing complexity of cyber warfare will likely also be a key area of discussion, with both countries facing similar challenges in protecting critical infrastructure and data.

A significant and poignant element of the visit is the inauguration of a memorial dedicated to the Indian soldiers who fought alongside Allied forces in Palestine during World War I. This act serves as a powerful reminder of the historical ties that bind the two nations, predating the establishment of modern Israel. It recognizes the sacrifices made by over 900,000 Indian troops who served in WWI, a substantial contribution to the Allied war effort, and specifically honors those who fought in the challenging terrains of the Middle East.

From Defense Cooperation to Agricultural Innovation

The defense relationship between India and Israel has flourished in recent decades, with Israel becoming a key supplier of advanced military technology to India. This collaboration extends beyond mere arms sales, encompassing joint development of defense systems, technology transfer, and training exercises. The current visit is expected to yield agreements on further deepening this cooperation, potentially including collaborative research and development on next-generation defense technologies, such as drone warfare and missile defense systems.

Beyond defense, agricultural innovation remains a cornerstone of the India-Israel partnership. Israel's expertise in precision agriculture, water management, and dairy farming has been instrumental in helping India improve its agricultural productivity. The 'India-Israel Agricultural Cooperation Project', initiated several years ago, has seen the establishment of Centers of Excellence across India, demonstrating Israeli agricultural techniques to local farmers. Modi's visit is expected to announce an expansion of this project, focusing on climate-smart agriculture and sustainable farming practices.

The economic relationship is also thriving. Bilateral trade has steadily increased over the years, reaching several billion dollars annually. Both countries are actively negotiating a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which, once finalized, is expected to further boost trade and investment flows. The FTA is anticipated to reduce tariffs and remove non-tariff barriers, creating a more favorable environment for businesses on both sides.

Prime Minister Modi's return to Israel is a clear signal of India's commitment to a strong and multifaceted relationship. It marks not just a continuation of existing cooperation but a deliberate push towards a deeper, more strategic partnership, poised to address the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.