PM Modi to Visit Israel to Boost Strategic, Defence and Economic Ties

New Delhi, Feb 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to travel to Israel on Wednesday for a high-level visit aimed at further strengthening the multifaceted partnership between India and Israel. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold detailed discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on expanding cooperation across key sectors including defence and security, trade and investment, innovation, and technology.

Announcing the visit on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said this will be Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to Israel, underscoring the growing depth and maturity of bilateral relations. According to the MEA, the two leaders will comprehensively review the progress achieved under the India–Israel Strategic Partnership and explore new avenues of collaboration.

“During the visit, the Prime Minister will meet the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders will review the significant progress made in India-Israel Strategic Partnership and discuss further opportunities in areas such as science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and economy, and people-to-people exchanges,” the MEA said in a statement.

In addition to his meeting with Netanyahu, Prime Minister Modi will also call on Israeli President Isaac Herzog, highlighting the importance India places on engagement at the highest political levels.

The visit coincides with a major economic development, as the first round of negotiations for the proposed India–Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is currently underway in New Delhi. The talks, which began earlier this week, will continue until February 26, aligning closely with the Prime Minister’s visit. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry noted that the timing of the negotiations has injected fresh momentum into efforts to deepen economic and commercial ties between the two countries.

The Terms of Reference for the FTA were signed in November 2025, providing a structured and comprehensive framework for negotiations aimed at expanding bilateral trade and investment. The agreement is expected to offer greater certainty and predictability for businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), while unlocking new opportunities across a wide range of sectors.

India and Israel are seen as natural economic partners with complementary strengths in innovation, science and technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, high-tech manufacturing, agriculture and services. Officials believe that leveraging these synergies through a robust trade agreement could significantly boost bilateral trade and strengthen supply chains.

India’s Chief Negotiator Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, emphasised the need for a balanced and forward-looking agreement that reflects the evolving strategic partnership. On the Israeli side, Chief Negotiator Yifat Alon Perel said the proposed FTA has the potential to enhance cooperation, reinforce supply chains and open new markets for businesses in both countries.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit is expected to give a strong political push to these initiatives, further cementing India–Israel ties in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.