Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tel Aviv at around 4:15 pm (IST) on Wednesday. He departed India at approximately 9 am and completed a six-hour flight to Israel. According to FlighRadar24, his aircraft became the most tracked flight globally that day.
This marks Modi’s second visit to Israel during his decade-long tenure as Prime Minister. He last visited Israel in 2017, a trip widely regarded as historic. Therefore, this visit carries both symbolic and strategic significance.
Upon arrival, Modi is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Following their interaction, both leaders will proceed to the Knesset for a special session.
#WATCH | Tel Aviv, Israel: “Welcome to Israel, my dear friend PM Narendra Modi, ” tweets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
PM Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with his wife Sara Netanyahu, received PM Modi at… pic.twitter.com/HhFEDowJo8
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2026
First Indian Leader to Address the Knesset
Prime Minister Modi will become the first Indian leader to address the Israeli Parliament. His speech places him among a select group of global leaders who have spoken there. Previously, US President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei addressed the Knesset.
After delivering his address, Modi and Netanyahu will attend a private dinner. Consequently, the visit combines ceremonial engagements with strategic discussions.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Modi will also call on Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Therefore, the visit includes interactions at multiple levels of Israeli leadership.
Strategic Partnership in Focus
According to the MEA statement, Modi and Netanyahu will review progress in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership. They will discuss opportunities across science, technology and innovation sectors.
Additionally, cooperation in defence and security will feature prominently in talks. Agriculture, water management and trade will also form part of discussions. Furthermore, the leaders plan to strengthen people-to-people exchanges.
The MEA added that both sides will exchange perspectives on regional and global issues. Consequently, the visit seeks to deepen collaboration across multiple dimensions.
Officials described the visit as an effort to reaffirm a deep and long-standing strategic partnership. They emphasised that both nations share a vision of resilient democracies working together. Therefore, the trip aims to align efforts toward that shared objective.
Broader Diplomatic Context
India and Israel have expanded cooperation steadily over recent years. Defence collaboration and technological partnerships have strengthened bilateral ties. Moreover, agricultural and water management projects have delivered tangible outcomes.
However, the visit unfolds against a sensitive geopolitical backdrop. Developments in the Middle East continue to attract global attention. Therefore, diplomatic engagements during this period carry additional significance.
Opposition Criticism Over Timing
Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress has criticised the Prime Minister’s visit. Opposition leaders raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh posted comments on social media questioning the timing of the trip. He referred to displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank and global criticism surrounding it.
Ramesh also mentioned corruption charges faced by Netanyahu. Additionally, he claimed that sections of the Israeli opposition threatened to boycott Modi’s address. He further argued that India had historically supported the Palestinian cause.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged Modi to address the situation in Gaza during his speech. She emphasised that India should speak clearly on humanitarian concerns.
In response, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia criticised the opposition sharply. He dismissed their remarks and defended the government’s diplomatic approach. Consequently, political debate intensified ahead of the Prime Minister’s address.
The government maintains that India pursues an independent foreign policy. Officials assert that India engages with partners based on national interest. Therefore, they view the Israel visit as a continuation of strategic diplomacy.
At the same time, opposition voices continue urging clarity on India’s position regarding the Palestinian issue. Consequently, the visit has drawn both diplomatic attention and domestic scrutiny.
What Lies Ahead
During the two-day visit, Modi will hold formal discussions and attend ceremonial events. His address at the Knesset will likely outline India’s perspective on bilateral cooperation.
Moreover, observers expect references to innovation, security and economic collaboration. However, the speech may also reflect India’s broader diplomatic stance in the region.
Ultimately, the visit underscores the evolving India-Israel relationship. It also highlights the intersection of global diplomacy and domestic political discourse.
