Focus on Strategic and Security Cooperation
During the visit, discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in defence manufacturing, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism, and cybersecurity. India and Israel have long shared close ties in defence, with Israel being one of India’s key suppliers of advanced military technology and surveillance systems.
The upcoming talks follow two recent conversations between Prime Minister Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this month, their second interaction within two months. Both leaders reiterated a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism and underscored the need for closer coordination in addressing emerging security challenges.
Regional Developments and India’s Balanced Stand
During recent discussions, Prime Minister Netanyahu briefed the Indian side on the implementation and progress of the Gaza Peace Plan. Prime Minister Modi, in turn, reiterated India’s long-standing position in support of a just, durable, and negotiated peace in the region.
India was among the first countries to condemn the October 7, 2023 terror attack by Hamas. At the same time, New Delhi has consistently called for adherence to international humanitarian law and protection of civilian lives in Gaza, reflecting its balanced and principled approach to West Asian geopolitics.
Trade, FTA Talks, and Economic Engagement
Economic cooperation is expected to be another major pillar of the visit. India and Israel are currently engaged in talks for a bilateral Free Trade Agreement. The Terms of Reference have already been signed, formally launching the negotiation process.
An Israeli delegation is expected to visit New Delhi in February to take forward the trade discussions. The Prime Minister’s visit is likely to provide political momentum to these talks, with a focus on expanding trade in technology, agriculture, water management, innovation, and start-up ecosystems.
IMEC and Broader Connectivity Vision
The visit is also expected to give fresh impetus to the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which was launched on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023. The corridor aims to enhance connectivity, trade, and energy cooperation linking India with Europe through West Asia.
Israel’s strategic location makes it a key stakeholder in the success of the IMEC initiative, and discussions during the visit are likely to explore ways to operationalise and align national priorities with the broader corridor vision.
Looking Back: Modi’s Historic 2017 Israel Visit
Prime Minister Modi last visited Israel in July 2017, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. That landmark visit marked 25 years of full diplomatic relations between India and Israel, which were established in 1992.
The 2017 visit was notable for its symbolism and substance. Prime Minister Netanyahu accompanied PM Modi for most of the trip, an honour typically reserved for visiting US presidents. The visit also signalled India’s “de-hyphenated” approach to Israel and Palestine, as PM Modi did not visit Ramallah or meet Palestinian leaders during that tour.
High-Level Exchanges Continue
Over the past year, bilateral engagement has remained robust. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal visited Israel, while Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar travelled to India.
These exchanges underline the depth of the partnership and set the stage for Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit, which is expected to further consolidate ties across strategic, economic, and people-to-people domains.
