From Airport embrace to Knesset address: PM Modi’s power-packed Israel visit begins

Upon arrival, Modi said he looks forward to substantive bilateral engagements aimed at deepening cooperation.

“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,” he wrote on X.

Modi, who became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel in 2017, is now serving his third consecutive term after leading the Bharatiya Janata Party to victory in the 2024 general elections.

Ahead of his departure, the Prime Minister had emphasised his intent to expand collaboration across key sectors, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people exchanges.

“India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years,” Modi said in his departure statement.

During the visit, he is scheduled to meet Isaac Herzog and hold discussions focused on broadening the scope of bilateral engagement.

In a significant milestone, Modi will also become the first Indian Prime Minister to address Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset.

The address is expected to highlight the shared democratic values and strong parliamentary ties between the two countries.