Indian PM Modi arrives in Israel, says two countries share ‘robust and multifaceted strategic partnership’

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel Wednesday for a two-day visit. 

Ahead of his flight to Israel, Modi released a statement in which he referred to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “my dear friend.” 

“At the invitation of my dear friend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I will be undertaking a State Visit to Israel from 25-26 February 2026,” Modi wrote. 

“India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years,” he continued. “I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, technology, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties. We will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.” 

I will be undertaking a State Visit to Israel today and tomorrow. Our nations share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership. Ties have significantly strengthened in the last few years. I will be holding talks with PM Netanyahu, in which we will discuss ways to strengthen…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026

India has maintained a strong relationship with Israel despite the global opposition to Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks. The two nations have trade and defense partnerships, which have increase over the past decade. 

Netanyahu, and his wife Sara, met with Modi at Ben-Gurion Airport upon his arrival. 

My wife Sara and I welcomed today our good friend, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, who has arrived for another historic visit to Israel.

Prime Minister Modi previously visited Israel in 2017, and I later paid a reciprocal visit to India that was truly exceptional.

We… pic.twitter.com/d7mrCa3tQR

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) February 25, 2026

“Welcome, my friend,” Netanyahu said greeting Modi after he descended from the plane. He later said that he was “deeply touched by the warm welcome of my friend, PM Netanyahu.” 

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

Shortly thereafter, the two prime ministers held a private meeting, which Modi hailed as “excellent.” 

“Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu,” Modi posted to 𝕏 afterwards. “Expressed gratitude to him for the warm welcome earlier in the day. It is a delight to be back in Israel after 9 years.” 

Later in the day, Modi will address the Knesset plenum, becoming the first Indian prime minister to do so, just as he was the first Indian prime minister to visit the Jewish state in 2017. 

On Thursday, Modi will visit Yad Vashem and is also expected to meet with President Isaac Herzog, who will be returning from a state visit to Ethiopia.