Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on February 25, 2026, for a two-day state visit to deepen ties with Benjamin Netanyahu, focusing on AI, defense, and regional security as US forces build up near Iran.
Visit Highlights
Modi, the first Indian PM to visit Israel in 2017, will address the Knesset, lay a wreath at Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, and hold talks on tech collaborations. Netanyahu calls India a “global power” and personal friend, eyeing boosted military exports and partnerships.
US-Iran Context
The trip coincides with Pentagon deploying an aircraft carrier toward Israel amid stalled Tehran nuclear talks and potential US strikes. Iran retaliation could hit Israel and US Gulf bases, affecting millions of Indian expats sending billions in remittances.
Strategic Discussions
Talks include “regional focus,” with India urging de-escalation per think tank views. Netanyahu frames India in an “axis” against Shia Iran and Sunni radicals, amid IMEC corridor and defense MoUs on drones, missiles, quantum tech.
Bilateral Momentum
Relations have surged under Modi: defense deals, AI research, trade. Visit signals India’s West Asia recalibration, balancing Israel ties with conflict avoidance.
