PM Modi's second visit to Israel likely to strengthen strategic ties
New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a two-day visit to Israel starting Wednesday, aiming to deepen bilateral defense and trade cooperation amidst ongoing tensions in West Asia, including the deteriorating relations between the United States and Iran.
The Prime Minister's itinerary includes an address to the Israeli parliament, comprehensive talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, and a meeting with President Isaac Herzog. As per agency report, boosting overall defense and security cooperation will be a major topic of discussion during the delegation-level talks between the two Prime Ministers on Thursday. Additionally, Netanyahu will host a private dinner for Modi on Wednesday night.
This marks Modi's second visit to Israel in nine years. His first visit in July 2017 elevated India-Israel relations to the level of a strategic partnership, which was further cemented when Netanyahu visited India in January 2018. The two nations share a robust strategic partnership with strong cooperation in areas such as science and technology, innovation, defense and security, trade and investment, agriculture, water, and people-to-people ties.
During their discussions, the two Prime Ministers are also likely to address the current situation in West Asia, including Gaza. Since the beginning of the Israel-Iran conflict in June last year, Modi and Netanyahu have spoken twice on the phone. On October 9, Modi called Netanyahu to congratulate him on the progress achieved under President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan.
Over the past few years, India-Israel relations have witnessed positive transformations across several sectors, including defense, scientific research, cyber security, and innovation. Defense cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of this partnership, with Israel supplying various military platforms and weapon systems to India. A significant agreement on defense cooperation was signed during the Indian Defense Secretary's visit to Israel in November last year. While India is considering the development of an indigenous air defense system called Sudarshan Chakra, New Delhi is exploring the possibility of incorporating elements of Israel's Iron Dome air defense system, which can intercept and destroy missiles and artillery shells. Meanwhile, trade and investment relations between the two countries continue to make steady progress.
