PM Modi Reaches Israel For Two-Day Visit, Says ‘Extremely Honoured’ By Netanyahu’s Personal Welcome

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Tel Aviv on Wednesday evening for a two day state visit to Israel, marking his second trip to the country since taking office. The aircraft landed at about 4:15 pm IST after a six hour journey that, according to Flightradar24, became the most tracked flight globally during the day. He had departed India around 9 am.

Warm welcome at the airport

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu personally received the Indian leader at the airport soon after his arrival. The two leaders are scheduled to hold a brief meeting before proceeding to the Knesset, where a special session has been planned during the visit.

Posting on social media platform X, Modi expressed gratitude for the reception and wrote he was "extremely honoured" to be welcomed by them. He added, "I look forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship."

Focus on bilateral engagement

The visit is seen as significant because it is Modi's first trip to Israel since 2017. Over the years, ties between New Delhi and Tel Aviv have expanded across sectors such as defence, innovation and agriculture, and the meetings during this visit are expected to review existing cooperation while exploring new initiatives.

Officials indicated that discussions will cover strategic collaboration as well as technology partnerships, reflecting the growing importance of the relationship for both sides.

MEA highlights shared priorities

India's Ministry of External Affairs emphasised the depth of the partnership shortly after Modi's arrival. Sharing photographs of the prime minister in Tel Aviv, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Israel is an important partner of India across strategic and technological domains, with deep cooperation in science and technology, innovation, defence and agriculture. The relationship is anchored in mutual trust, shared priorities and a growing convergence in futuristic technologies."

The engagements over the next two days are expected to culminate in announcements aimed at further strengthening cooperation between the two countries.