Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday for a two-day State visit to Israel at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Israeli Prime Minister, accompanied by his wife Sara Netanyahu, personally received PM Modi at Ben Gurion Airport, underscoring the close personal rapport between the two leaders. The two Prime Ministers exchanged a warm embrace upon arrival.
“Landed in Israel. I am extremely honoured to be received by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs. Netanyahu at the airport. I look forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship,” said PM Modi in a post on X after his arrival in Israel.
The two-day visit comes at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and marks PM Modi’s second trip to the country after his landmark 2017 visit – the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister.
Ahead of his departure, PM Modi described the visit as an opportunity to deepen bilateral ties.
“At the invitation of my dear friend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I will be undertaking a State Visit to Israel from 25–26 February 2026,” he said.
“India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years,” the Prime Minister noted, adding that he looked forward to discussions aimed at expanding cooperation across key sectors.
Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid also expressed their eagerness to welcome PM Modi during his State visit.
In a symbolic gesture, the Knesset was illuminated in the colours of the Indian flag. Sharing images of the tribute, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said the illumination was in honour of the Indian Prime Minister’s visit. PM Modi acknowledged the gesture, stating he looked forward to addressing Israeli lawmakers.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Modi’s discussions with Netanyahu are aimed at further strengthening cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, technology, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties. He will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
PM Modi is also scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog, underscoring the high-level political engagement between the two democracies.
A key highlight of the visit will be PM Modi becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset. PM Modi described the occasion as a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties binding the two countries.
Netanyahu described the visit as “historic,” calling PM Modi a “dear friend” and highlighting the growing strategic alignment between the two nations. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said the India-Israel partnership represents a “powerful alliance between two global leaders” committed to innovation, security and stability.
(With agency inputs)
