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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on February 25, 2026, for a two-day visit. The trip, his second official visit to the country after his landmark 2017 tour, comes at a moment of heightened tensions in the Middle East and ongoing war in Gaza.

Modi was received at Ben-Gurion International Airport by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, with an honor guard and military band marking the occasion.

Netanyahu greeted the Indian leader warmly, calling the relationship “a bond of true friendship.” The two leaders held initial talks inside the airport premises before heading to Jerusalem for the remainder of the visit.

This is Modi’s first visit to Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza war, and it comes as both governments seek to expand cooperation in defense, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, agriculture, water management, and trade.

Several strategic agreements are expected to be signed during the trip, reflecting what officials describe as a new phase in bilateral ties.

Deeply touched by the warm welcome extended by my friend, PM Netanyahu. May the India-Israel friendship continue to soar higher! 🇮🇳 🇮🇱@netanyahu pic.twitter.com/zl6Flj9wpz

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026

Expanding Strategic Partnership

Relations between India and Israel have transformed dramatically over the past decade. Although the two countries established full diplomatic relations in 1992, it was Modi’s 2017 visit that marked a turning point.

That trip signaled a clear shift in India’s foreign policy posture, moving from its historically pro-Palestinian stance toward a more openly pro-Israel engagement while maintaining rhetorical support for a two-state solution.

India is among the largest buyers of Israeli arms, and the two nations cooperate extensively on counter-terrorism and defense technology. Analysts note that India’s growing security challenges, particularly tensions with Pakistan and China, have accelerated the demand for advanced military systems and surveillance technologies, areas where Israel has developed strong capabilities.

Netanyahu described the visit as “historic,” writing on X that the bond between Israel and India represents “a powerful alliance between two global leaders.” He added, “We are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision. Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress.”

At a recent cabinet meeting, Netanyahu expanded on that vision, stating, “The intention is to create an axis of nations that see eye-to-eye regarding the reality, challenges, and goals against the radical axes, both the radical Shi’ite axis, which we have struck very hard, as well as the emerging radical Sunni axis.”

He also emphasized his personal rapport with Modi: “We speak frequently on the phone and visit one another. I have visited India, and Modi has visited here. The fabric of this relationship has grown tighter.”

Modi responded in kind, saying, “India deeply values the enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to peace and progress. Looking forward to our discussions during my upcoming Israel visit.”

Balancing Act in Turbulent Region

While the focus of the visit is firmly bilateral, the broader geopolitical environment looms large. India has condemned the October 7 Hamas-led attacks on Israel and expressed solidarity with Israel’s right to defend itself. At the same time, New Delhi has voiced concern over civilian casualties in Gaza and reiterated support for a two-state solution.

India recognized Palestine in 1988 and continues to maintain diplomatic relations with both Israel and the Palestinian authorities. However, Modi’s current itinerary includes no meeting with Palestinian leaders, underscoring the visit’s strategic emphasis on Israel.

Analysts believe any discussion of regional escalation between Modi and Netanyahu will likely remain behind closed doors. India maintains longstanding ties with Iran and other Middle Eastern states, and New Delhi has traditionally adhered to the principle that regional conflicts should be resolved within the region.

Political Controversy at Home and Abroad

Modi’s address to the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, is one of the highlights of the visit and marks a rare honor for an Indian leader. Ahead of his arrival, the Knesset building was lit in the colors of the Indian flag, a gesture Modi shared on social media.

However, the speech has sparked political controversy in Israel. Opposition parties have threatened to boycott the address unless Supreme Court President Isaac Amit is invited, amid an ongoing domestic dispute over judicial reforms.

It's been an honour to address the Knesset. It was also a delight to interact with distinguished members of the Knesset. My address covered the deep-rooted friendship between our nations and the goodwill of the people of India towards the people of Israel.@KnessetENG pic.twitter.com/rnukt3E0g3

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026

Reports indicate that the Speaker of the parliament may invite former lawmakers to fill empty seats if opposition members stay away.

In India, opposition leaders have also criticized the trip. Jairam Ramesh, spokesperson for the Congress party, accused the Modi government of abandoning the Palestinian cause. Following the October 7 attacks, Modi’s government banned anti-Israel protests in the Muslim-majority region of Kashmir, further fueling domestic debate over India’s shifting Middle East policy.

Despite criticism on both sides, officials in New Delhi argue that the visit reflects long-term strategic calculations rather than short-term political considerations.

Symbolism and Substance

Beyond defense and technology, the visit carries symbolic weight. Modi and Netanyahu are expected to visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, where they will place a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance. The leaders will later hold extended talks at the King David Hotel, during which agreements are expected to be formally exchanged.

Officials say discussions will center on advanced technology cooperation, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, trade expansion, and deeper security collaboration. Both governments are positioning their partnership as one between two democracies seeking innovation-driven growth while confronting evolving security threats.

As Modi navigates a volatile regional landscape, the visit underscores India’s effort to project itself as a rising global power capable of maintaining multiple strategic partnerships simultaneously. The challenge will be sustaining this delicate balance, strengthening ties with Israel without alienating key partners across the Middle East.

For now, both leaders appear determined to push the relationship forward. As Netanyahu put it, “He is coming here so we can tighten it further through a series of decisions related to strengthening the cooperation between our governments and countries, including economic, diplomatic, and security cooperation.”

In a region defined by uncertainty, Modi’s visit signals that the India-Israel partnership is entering a new and potentially more consequential chapter.