India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his way to Israel for a two-day visit to deepen ties with a key trade and defense partner, stirring criticism at home.
“Our nations share a robust and multifaceted strategic partnership,” Modi says in a departure statement, saying he will meet his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and address the Knesset. “Ties have significantly strengthened in the last few years.”
New Delhi has steadily expanded cooperation with Israel across the defense, agriculture, technology and cybersecurity sectors while balancing diplomatic interests in the Middle East.
Talks opened in New Delhi on Monday for an India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA), India’s government says in a statement, noting that total merchandise trade was $3.62 billion in 2024-2025.
Modi says he will hold talks with Netanyahu to “discuss ways to strengthen cooperation,” as well as meet President Isaac Herzog.
The Indian prime minister is slated to touch down in Israel shortly before 1 p.m., where he will be greeted by Netanyahu before heading to Jerusalem, where they will be received in an official welcome ceremony at the Knesset.
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