PM Modi Israel Visit 2026: Strategic Talks and Historic Address
The PM Modi Israel Visit 2026has begun with significant diplomatic and strategic importance. Prime Minister Narendra Modideparted for a two-day visit to Israel, marking his second trip to the country after his historic 2017 tour.
During this visit, Modi will become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset. However, his speech has sparked political controversy, as sections of the Israeli opposition have threatened to boycott the special parliamentary session.
The visit comes at a time of evolving geopolitical tensions in West Asia and ongoing negotiations over major India-Israel defence dealsand a proposed India-Israel FTA.
Opposition Boycott Over Knesset Address
The controversy surrounding Modi’s address stems from reports that Israel’s Chief Justice was not invited to the session. Opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yair Lapidhas urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuto intervene.
Lapid warned that excluding key institutions could result in a half-empty parliament during the address, potentially embarrassing India. Netanyahu, meanwhile, has described Modi as a “dear friend” and emphasized the importance of bilateral ties.
Major India-Israel Defence Deals in Focus
A central highlight of the PM Modi Israel Visit 2026is defence cooperation. Reports suggest that India may finalize deals worth up to $8.6 billion by 2026.
Key defence discussions include:
Procurement of advanced Heron MK-2 MALE drones
Precision-guided missile systems
Possible technology sharing of Israel’s Iron Domeair defence system
Israeli officials have indicated openness to deeper defence collaboration, including manufacturing military equipment in India under joint ventures.
If finalized, these agreements could significantly boost India’s defence modernization and strengthen strategic autonomy.
Tribute at Yad Vashem and Presidential Talks
On February 26, Modi will visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, to pay tribute to six million Jews killed during Nazi rule under Adolf Hitler.
He will then meet Israeli President Isaac Herzogto discuss regional stability, West Asian tensions, and global security challenges.
India-Israel FTA Talks Gain Momentum
The visit coincides with the first round of negotiations for the India-Israel FTA, which began in New Delhi on February 23 and continues through February 26.
Trade between the two nations reached $3.62 billion in FY 2024–25. The FTA aims to:
Boost trade in goods and services
Simplify customs procedures
Strengthen intellectual property protections
Improve business confidence for MSMEs
Experts believe the agreement could unlock new opportunities in technology, agriculture, and innovation sectors.
Timing Raises Strategic Questions
The timing of the PM Modi Israel Visit 2026has raised questions within India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Shashi Tharoor.
Concerns were expressed over rising tensions between the United States and Iran in West Asia. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that security considerations are always factored into prime ministerial visits.
Why This Visit Matters Now
This visit reflects a major shift in India’s foreign policy. While India once opposed Israel’s creation in 1947 and voted against its UN membership in 1949, relations have dramatically evolved since full diplomatic ties were established in 1992.
Modi’s 2017 visit marked a turning point, and the PM Modi Israel Visit 2026further strengthens political, defence, and economic partnerships.
With defence modernization, FTA negotiations, and regional instability shaping the global landscape, this visit could redefine India-Israel strategic cooperation for the coming decade.
As Modi addresses the Knesset and engages in high-level defence and trade discussions, the outcomes of this visit may significantly influence India’s strategic positioning in West Asia and beyond.
.jpg)
