Tel Aviv: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on Wednesday and was given a ceremonial red-carpet welcome at Ben Gurion Airport, where he was received by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara. The two leaders greeted each other warmly, marking a significant diplomatic moment during Modi’s second visit to the country in nine years.

On arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, Modi received a Guard of Honour. Netanyahu personally welcomed the Prime Minister, reflecting the close personal rapport shared by the two leaders. The two Prime Ministers exchanged a warm hug upon arrival.

The visit is taking place at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, adding strategic importance to the discussions scheduled between the two sides.

During his first visit to Israel in July 2017, India and Israel elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, and since then ties have expanded across defence, technology, innovation and trade.

In his pre-departure statement, PM Modi said the visit would help consolidate the enduring bonds between the two nations and set new goals for cooperation. He highlighted India and Israel’s “robust and multifaceted” relationship and expressed confidence that discussions with Netanyahu would further deepen collaboration.

Modi is scheduled to address the Knesset later in the day, a landmark moment in bilateral relations and will hold a one-on-one meeting with Netanyahu, followed by wide-ranging talks on Thursday.

Focus areas: Defence, innovation and trade

The leaders are expected to discuss cooperation in key sectors, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defence and security, trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. They will also exchange views on regional and global developments.

Defence continues to be a central pillar of the partnership. Over the years, Israel has supplied various military platforms and systems to India. In November last year, during a visit by India’s Defence Secretary to Israel, both sides signed an important defence cooperation agreement.

India’s ongoing efforts to develop an indigenous air defence system, named “Sudarshan Chakra”, may also open avenues for exploring technological elements inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system, which is known for intercepting rockets, missiles and artillery threats.

Trade and investment relations have also seen steady progress. In November, during Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Israel, the terms of reference for launching Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations were signed. Earlier in September, both countries inked a Bilateral Investment Agreement to strengthen economic cooperation.

The Indian diaspora in Israel, estimated at over 41,000 people, plays a key role in strengthening cultural and community links between the two nations. Officials say these ties remain an important dimension of the overall partnership.