Relations between India and Israel are set to be elevated to a “special strategic partnership” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit, marking what sources describe as a significant leap forward—comparable to Israel’s partnerships with the United States and Germany.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to undertake a two-day visit to Israel beginning Wednesday, aimed at strengthening bilateral defence and trade cooperation. This will be his second visit to Israel in nine years, following his landmark 2017 trip when the relationship was first elevated to a strategic partnership.
According to sources quoted by Press Trust of India (PTI), the upgraded framework will pave the way for joint development of advanced defence systems and include an understanding to support each other in times of need.
“The two countries have been reliable partners over the years, especially during crises. This is now being formally recognised during PM Modi’s visit,” sources said.
Modi will be received at the airport by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, after which the two leaders are expected to hold a one-to-one meeting.
In Jerusalem, Modi will meet members of the Indian community and address lawmakers at the Knesset—a rare honour reserved for select world leaders. He is also scheduled to attend a technology exhibition showcasing Israeli innovation, followed by a private dinner hosted by Netanyahu.
On Thursday morning, the Indian Prime Minister will pay tribute to Holocaust victims at Yad Vashem before meeting Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Several memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed during the visit, including a high-profile agreement on defence cooperation. Sources said the deal will establish new secrecy mechanisms, opening additional categories of collaboration previously unavailable.
Local media reports indicate that discussions will also cover cooperation on air defence systems, including potential integration with Israel’s laser-based air defence platform, Or Eitan. Further MoUs are expected in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and cybersecurity.
In New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs India said the visit will reaffirm the deep strategic partnership between the two countries and provide an opportunity to address shared challenges while advancing a common vision for cooperation between two resilient democracies.
India–Israel ties have strengthened significantly in recent years, particularly in defence, scientific research, cybersecurity and innovation. Defence cooperation has become a key pillar of the partnership, with Israel supplying a wide range of military platforms and weapon systems to India.
Source: NDTV
