Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed for Israel on a significant two-day visit from February 25 to 26, 2026, marking another important chapter in India–Israel relations. The visit has drawn international attention, not only because of its strategic importance but also due to political developments within Israel surrounding his scheduled address to the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament.

This trip will make PM Modi the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset, a milestone that reflects the deepening partnership between the two nations. However, the visit has also faced early controversy, with Israel’s Opposition indicating that it would boycott the address if the President of the Supreme Court of Israel, Yitzhak Amit, is not invited in accordance with parliamentary protocol.

Despite the political headwinds, the visit is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties in defence, technology, innovation, agriculture and regional cooperation.

A historic parliamentary address

The highlight of the visit will be PM Modi’s address to the Knesset. Addressing a foreign parliament is considered a high diplomatic honour and signals strong bilateral engagement. Over the years, several world leaders have addressed the Knesset, but this would be the first time an Indian Prime Minister has done so.

The announcement of the visit was first made publicly by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his address to the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations in Jerusalem on February 15. In his remarks, Mr. Netanyahu informed the gathering that PM Modi would soon visit Israel and deliver a parliamentary address.

The fact that the announcement came from the Israeli Prime Minister himself underscores the importance attached to the visit by the Israeli leadership.

Opposition boycott threat

The visit, however, has not been without controversy. Israel’s Opposition has indicated that it would boycott PM Modi’s address if Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit is not invited as per established parliamentary norms.

In Israel’s political system, institutional protocol plays a sensitive role, especially amid ongoing debates about the balance of power between the executive and the judiciary. The Opposition’s statement reflects broader domestic political tensions rather than any specific issue with India.

While it remains to be seen how the protocol matter will be resolved, diplomatic engagements between India and Israel are expected to proceed as planned.

Warm reception planned in Tel Aviv

PM Modi’s visit itinerary reflects the close personal rapport between him and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mr. Netanyahu is expected to personally receive PM Modi at the airport in Tel Aviv, echoing the grand welcome extended during PM Modi’s previous visit in July 2017.

During that historic 2017 visit, PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to travel to Israel. The trip marked a visible shift in India’s West Asia policy, with New Delhi openly strengthening ties with Israel while maintaining its traditional support for the Palestinian cause.

This time as well, the two leaders are expected to travel together from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, symbolising the strategic closeness between their governments.

Packed 24-hour schedule

Though the visit spans two calendar days, most official engagements are expected to be completed within roughly 24 hours. The schedule reflects a tightly coordinated programme featuring joint appearances and multiple high-level interactions.

Key events include bilateral talks between PM Modi and PM Netanyahu, followed by joint press statements outlining outcomes of discussions. The agenda is expected to cover defence cooperation, trade expansion, technology partnerships and regional security issues.

Both leaders will attend the Knesset session during which PM Modi will deliver his address. The programme also includes a private dinner hosted by the Israeli Prime Minister, reflecting the diplomatic warmth between the two nations.

Innovation and technology focus

One of the major themes of India–Israel cooperation in recent years has been innovation and technology. During the visit, the two leaders are expected to participate in an innovation-focused event showcasing collaboration between Indian and Israeli startups and technology companies.

Israel is globally recognised as a startup hub, often referred to as the Startup Nation. India, with its large technology talent base and rapidly expanding digital economy, has increasingly partnered with Israeli firms in sectors such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, water management and agri-tech.

PM Modi is likely to highlight these partnerships in his Knesset address, emphasising shared strengths in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Visit to Yad Vashem

Another significant moment in the itinerary is the planned visit to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem. During his 2017 visit, PM Modi paid tribute at Yad Vashem, underlining India’s respect for Jewish history and remembrance of the Holocaust.

The visit to Yad Vashem carries symbolic weight, reflecting shared values of resilience and historical remembrance. It also demonstrates India’s recognition of Jewish heritage and the historical suffering of the Jewish people.

Diaspora engagement

The programme may also include an interaction with members of the Indian-Jewish community settled in Israel. India is home to one of the world’s oldest Jewish communities, and thousands of Indian-origin Jews have migrated to Israel over the decades.

Engagement with the diaspora often forms an important part of PM Modi’s overseas visits. Such interactions highlight cultural links and people-to-people ties that strengthen diplomatic relations.

Strategic and regional context

PM Modi’s visit takes place amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in West Asia. India maintains strategic relationships with multiple countries in the region, including Israel, the Gulf nations and Iran. Balancing these relationships requires careful diplomacy.

India and Israel share strong defence ties, with cooperation spanning missile systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, surveillance technologies and intelligence sharing. Israel has been one of India’s key defence suppliers for decades.

Economic ties have also grown steadily. Bilateral trade covers diamonds, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electronics and agricultural technologies. Collaboration in water conservation and drip irrigation has been particularly significant for Indian agriculture.

The visit is expected to review progress across these sectors and explore new areas of cooperation.

Second visit builds on 2017 milestone

PM Modi’s first visit to Israel in July 2017 marked a historic turning point. It was the first standalone visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Jewish state. The trip elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership level.

Since then, there have been multiple high-level exchanges between ministers and officials from both countries. The 2026 visit builds upon this momentum and signals continuity in foreign policy priorities.

Address likely to cover regional peace and cooperation

In his address to the Knesset, PM Modi is expected to touch upon a range of bilateral and regional issues. These may include defence cooperation, counterterrorism collaboration, economic partnerships and broader regional stability.

India has consistently advocated dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts in West Asia. While strengthening ties with Israel, India has also maintained its support for a negotiated two-state solution in the Israel–Palestine context.

The speech may reflect India’s balanced diplomatic stance while emphasising common democratic values and shared interests.

Political symbolism and global attention

The visit has attracted global media attention due to its political symbolism. An Indian Prime Minister addressing the Knesset reflects the transformation of India–Israel relations over the past three decades since the establishment of full diplomatic ties in 1992.

It also underscores India’s expanding global role and its willingness to engage proactively with key partners across regions.

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