Modi Visits Israel to Deepen Security and Trade Ties
Modi will meet Netanyahu and President Herzog, address the Knesset, and pursue security, AI and trade agreements as India recently joined over 100 countries condemning Israel's West Bank measures.
Overview
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected in Israel for a two-day visit focusing on strengthening security, economic and technological cooperation, officials said.
The visit comes amid rising regional tensions and after India joined more than 100 countries on February 18 in condemning Israel's newly approved measures to deepen control over the occupied West Bank.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said economic and security issues will be high on the agenda, and opposition lawmakers threatened to boycott Modi's planned parliamentary address, according to reporting.
India is Israel's second-largest trading partner in Asia, with bilateral trade reported at roughly $3.62 billion to $6.5 billion in recent sources, and the countries signed a new Bilateral Investment Treaty in September last year.
Modi is scheduled to address the Knesset, visit Yad Vashem, meet President Isaac Herzog and Netanyahu, and oversee signing of security and economic agreements that include AI, cybersecurity and quantum computing cooperation.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Modi's Israel visit as risky and security-driven, using charged language ('perilous', 'dramatic') and historical juxtaposition to signal a diplomatic shift. They foreground defense analysts and regional threats (Pakistan, China, Iran) while sidelining pro-visit diplomatic rationales and Palestinian or Israeli government perspectives, producing a threat-focused narrative.
FAQ
India and Israel are expected to renew their bilateral security pact and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen defense cooperation[1][2]. Key areas of focus include joint development of ballistic missile defense systems, laser-based defense platforms, counter-unmanned aerial systems (Counter-UAS), and layered air defense interoperability[4][5]. India is also exploring the possibility of incorporating elements from Israel's Iron Dome system into its indigenous air defense shield called 'Sudarshan Chakra'[3]. Additionally, the visit will cover cyber and critical infrastructure protection, with Israel offering expertise in protecting high-value nodes such as ports, energy, and communications[5].
Bilateral trade between India and Israel reached approximately $3.62 billion to $6.5 billion in recent years, with one source reporting that the amount of deals closed by the two countries since the beginning of 2026 is $8.6 billion[4][2]. This figure includes Israel's defense exports to India, production by subsidiaries of Israeli defense companies in India, and joint ventures between Israeli and Indian companies[2]. India accounts for 34% of Israeli defense exports between 2020 and 2024, making India one of Israel's principal clients for advanced military systems[4].
The Modi visit is part of a strategic convergence in West Asia between India, the UAE, and Israel aimed at countering extremism and advancing high-tech collaboration[1]. This relationship is connected to Netanyahu's "Six Alliances" concept, which includes Israel, India, Greece, Cyprus, an Arab country (believed to be the UAE), and an African country[2]. The visit also relates to regional connectivity initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and comes amid shifting alliances in the region, including Saudi Arabia's growing rapprochement with the Muslim Brotherhood axis and Pakistan.
Analysts note that India has increasingly separated its Israel engagement from its traditional support for a two-state solution regarding Palestine[4]. While India maintains strategic investments in Iran such as the Chabahar Port and longstanding diplomatic ties with Tehran, New Delhi favors a diplomatic resolution to tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program while maintaining dialogue with Israel[4]. Officials have characterized the visit as focused on defense, technology, and trade rather than addressing contradictions in India's regional diplomatic positions[6].
Beyond defense cooperation, Modi's visit will focus on expanding collaboration in artificial intelligence, cyber innovation, quantum computing, and critical infrastructure protection[6]. The leaders are expected to sign agreements aimed at strengthening innovation partnerships and advancing joint research projects[6]. Israeli startups and Indian industry will participate in technology and business events designed to showcase bilateral cooperation[6]. Cyber and critical infrastructure protection is identified as a structural partnership opportunity, particularly relevant to India's digital expansion and exposure to critical infrastructure risks[5].
