Defence – Modi and Netanyahu Review Strategic Partnership in Israel Visit
Defence – Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a high-level engagement in Israel with a packed diplomatic schedule focused on security, technology and long-term strategic cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are set to visit Yad Vashem together on Thursday, underscoring the historic and diplomatic significance of the trip. The leaders will later convene an expanded bilateral meeting at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, where officials from both sides are expected to participate in detailed discussions.
Strategic Partnership Under Review
The talks are expected to include a broad assessment of the India-Israel Strategic Partnership, which has expanded steadily over the past decade. According to officials familiar with the agenda, defence collaboration, innovation in science and technology, trade ties and deeper people-to-people engagement will be central themes.
Both sides are also likely to exchange views on current regional and global developments, reflecting the growing coordination between New Delhi and Tel Aviv on international issues. The visit is seen as part of a continuing effort to strengthen diplomatic alignment and economic cooperation.
Several memorandums of understanding covering economic cooperation, security coordination and diplomatic engagement are expected to be signed. After the formal agreements are concluded, the two prime ministers will address the media and outline the outcomes of their discussions.
Focus on Air Defence and Technology Transfer
A major area of interest during the visit is defence technology cooperation. India is advancing plans for what officials describe as a significant strategic arrangement with Israel to access Iron Dome technology. Rather than a simple purchase, the proposal envisions deeper collaboration and domestic production under India’s broader defence modernisation efforts.
Israel has offered to share Iron Dome technology under the Make in India initiative. The proposal would allow India to manufacture and integrate the system locally as part of a multi-layered air defence network. The system is designed to intercept short-range rockets, mortars and emerging aerial threats such as drone swarms.
The potential partnership is also linked to India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra, also known as Project Kusha, which aims to strengthen indigenous air defence capabilities. By combining short-range interception systems with existing long-range platforms, Indian planners seek to create a comprehensive security shield over key cities and strategic installations.
In addition to Iron Dome, India has expressed interest in Israel’s Iron Beam system, a laser-based air defence platform. The technology is considered a cost-effective option for countering low-cost aerial threats and could complement conventional missile-based systems. Officials indicate that integrating such capabilities would support India’s objective of establishing a robust national security architecture by the end of the decade.
Diplomatic Engagements and Parliamentary Address
During his stay, Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog, further highlighting the diplomatic weight of the visit.
On Wednesday, shortly after landing in Tel Aviv for his two-day state visit, Modi received a standing ovation at the Knesset. He became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, a milestone in bilateral relations and his second visit to Israel since his 2017 trip.
The Israeli Parliament also conferred upon him the Medal of the Knesset. In a message shared on social media platform X, Modi described the honour as a recognition of the enduring friendship between India and Israel. He stated that the award symbolised the shared values and mutual respect that guide both nations, and expressed gratitude to the Knesset for the gesture.
The visit is being closely watched by diplomatic observers as both countries seek to deepen cooperation in defence, innovation and trade while navigating a complex regional landscape. With agreements expected across multiple sectors, the engagement signals another step in the evolving partnership between India and Israel.