PM MODI's VISIT TO ISRAEL WILL FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE TURST BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel from February 25 to 26, 2026. This is his second visit in nine years and his first since the Gaza War. According to a BBC report, in 2017, Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel. Relations between the two countries have improved since then. India is one of the largest buyers of Israeli weapons.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally arrived to receive PM Modi upon his landing at Ben Gurion Airport. This visit, taking place amid rising tensions in West Asia, particularly the deteriorating relations between the United States and Iran, is being seen as a significant step towards further strengthening the India-Israel strategic partnership.

THERE IS CHAOS IN THE MEDIA OF ISLAMIC COUNTRIES

A statement by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ahead of PM Modi's visit has sparked considerable debate in the media in Islamic countries. PM Modi's visit to Israel comes at a time when Islamic countries are strongly criticizing Israel's activities in the West Bank, and tensions are high in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Iran, which could potentially trigger a major conflict in the Middle East.

PM MODI's ADDRESS TO THE KNESSET, ISRAEL's PARLIAMENT.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, highlighting India's rapidly growing economy. This is a rare honor, reflecting the political cordiality between the two democratic countries. Previously, former President Pranab Mukherjee addressed the Knesset in 2015, marking the first visit by an Indian head of state to Israel.

In Parliament, PM Modi recalled the World Wars, saying, "India's relationship with this land is also one of blood and sacrifice. During World War I, more than 4,000 Indian soldiers laid down their lives in this region." He also recounted the valor of Major Thakur Dalpat Singh, a British Indian Army officer of the Jodhpur Lancers.

During his address to Parliament, the Israeli Prime Minister heaped praise on the Indian PM, calling him more than a friend to Israel. Netanyahu thanked PM Modi for standing with Israel after the October 7, 2023, attacks. Netanyahu said, "I was particularly impressed by your visit. You are a great friend of Israel and a great leader on the world stage. Narendra, you are more than a friend. You are a brother."

ISRAELI PARLIAMENT HONOURS PM MODI WITH 'SPEAKER OF THE KNESSET MEDAL'

The Israeli Parliament honored Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, the Knesset's highest honor. The medal recognizes PM Modi's outstanding contributions to strengthening the strategic relationship between India and Israel. Prime Minister Modi has become the first leader to receive the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal' for promoting India-Israel relations. Referring to being awarded the Knesset Speaker's Medal, PM Modi said he dedicates this honor to 1.4 billion Indians and the unbreakable friendship between India and Israel.

FREE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND ISRAEL

India and Israel may soon have a free trade agreement (FTA). Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hinted at this. He stated that teams from both countries are working hard on this FTA. PM Modi also expressed confidence that India will soon become the world's third-largest economy.

INDIA's MAJOR ROLE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharon Haskel has described India as vital to the Middle East. She stated that a strategic partnership among Israel, India, and the United States is essential to achieving peace in the Middle East. Speaking to NDTV, Haskel said, "India is part of the good guys. It is among the forces that can bring stability. India is a major part of the military effort. I believe it has a major role to play in bringing stability, prosperity, and peace to this region."

IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER URGES PM MODI TO RAISE PALESTINE ISSUE

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise the issue of Palestinian rights during his visit to Israel. The Iranian Foreign Minister criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza and stated that Israel's actions in Gaza amount to genocide. He expressed hope that while in Israel, PM Modi should also discuss the Palestinians' right to self-determination.

HIGH-LEVEL DELEGATION-LEVEL TALKS

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu held delegation-level talks in Jerusalem, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new areas of strategic cooperation. The two leaders reviewed progress made in defense, technology, trade, and innovation partnerships, as both sides looked to further deepen their long-standing relationship.

India and Israel signed a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs). The agreements cover various sectors, including innovation, agriculture, geophysical exploration, marine heritage, fisheries, aquaculture, artificial intelligence, education, commerce, and cybersecurity, and were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

INDIA-ISRAEL STAND ON TERRORISM

In his statement, Narendra Modi said, "India and Israel are absolutely clear that terrorism has no place in the world. Terrorism, in any form, in any manifestation, cannot be tolerated. We have stood shoulder to shoulder in opposing terrorism and its supporters, and will continue to do so."

WHO SAYS WHAT

Foreign affairs expert Harsh V. Pant says, "India wants to demonstrate its commitment to its partnership with Israel. It is also trying to balance its priorities in the Middle East. India condemned the October 7 Israeli attack and expressed concern over the civilian casualties in Gaza. India has reiterated its support for a two-state solution for Palestine." 

Analysts say that the focus of Modi's visit will be entirely on bilateral talks. Any discussion of regional tensions will likely remain behind closed doors. This is because Delhi has long and strong ties with Iran and several other countries in the Middle East.

Kabir Taneja, Executive Director of the Middle East office of the Observer Research Foundation think-tank, says, "India believes that regional disputes are for the region to resolve. Just as India does not expect outside interference in its affairs, it applies this principle to the Middle East as well."

This second visit by PM Modi to Israel holds historic significance. Prior to 2017, no Indian Prime Minister had visited Israel. Amid the current difficult international situation, PM Modi's visit sends a special message. Both countries have expressed considerable enthusiasm for Modi's visit to Israel. Experts also consider this visit to be very important, with its results having implications throughout West Asia.