NEW DELHI, Feb. 23 — Anticipation is building in Israel ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country on Feb. 25–26, with officials describing the trip as a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties.
Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said the visit reflects a partnership rooted in trust and driven by innovation.
“This is an exciting moment for India-Israel relations. We are looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel. When India and Israel come together, it’s never just a meeting. It’s a partnership built on trust, powered by innovation, and guided by a clear understanding of the challenges of our time,” Azar said.
He noted that the two countries plan to advance cooperation in security and defense while expanding collaboration in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and cybersecurity.
“During this visit, we will move forward decisively. First, on security and defense. India and Israel have worked closely for years, and we are proud of this strong cooperation. But the world is changing fast, and so are the threats. To meet them, we will deepen our defense relationship by updating our security agreements. This will allow us to engage in more sensitive projects and jointly develop technological solutions,” Azar said.
He added that economic ties are also gaining momentum. The two nations have signed a bilateral investment treaty and are working toward finalizing a free trade agreement, potentially within the year.
The ambassador said Israel hopes to see greater participation from Indian infrastructure companies and aims to streamline financial cooperation and promote innovation. He also highlighted transportation, water management, agriculture, and academic cooperation as key areas expected to see progress during the visit.
“India and Israel are not just partners; we are true friends shaping the future together,” Azar said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at the start of a weekly government meeting Sunday, said the visit would underscore the “special relationship” forged in recent years between the two countries, as well as his personal rapport with Modi.
“This week, expression will be given to the special relationship that has been forged over recent years between Israel and the global power that is India, and between myself and its leader, Prime Minister Modi. We are personal friends; we speak frequently on the phone and visit one another,” Netanyahu said.
Recalling previous engagements, Netanyahu noted that both leaders have visited each other’s countries and maintained close communication. He said the upcoming visit would further strengthen cooperation across economic, diplomatic, and security spheres.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address the Knesset and participate in an innovation event in Jerusalem. The two leaders will also visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.
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