Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence, trade and security cooperation, marking a significant step forward in India-Israel relations during Mr Modi’s visit to Tel Aviv.

Addressing Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, Mr Modi described defence cooperation as an “important pillar” of the bilateral partnership and stressed the need for closer collaboration in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

“In today’s uncertain world, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance,” he said.

Defence deal likely on agenda

During the visit — Mr Modi’s first to Israel in nine years — discussions are expected to include a major order for Israeli-made missile systems. An official in New Delhi familiar with the matter indicated that details of the potential deal may not be publicly disclosed, as both governments are keen to keep the spotlight on broader strategic ties.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not commented on the reported missile purchase.

Israel has long been among India’s key arms suppliers. Over the years, the defence relationship has evolved into joint manufacturing projects, including drones and missile systems. Ahead of the visit, Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said both sides are working towards a more comprehensive defence and security framework that could open doors for cooperation on more sensitive projects.

Focus on trade and investment

Trade and investment featured prominently in the leaders’ discussions. Mr Modi said both governments are committed to expanding bilateral trade, boosting investment flows and promoting joint infrastructure projects.

Israeli negotiators recently travelled to India to begin formal talks on a proposed free-trade agreement, building on terms agreed in November. Such a pact could provide Israel greater access to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

According to Israel’s Economy and Industry Ministry, India is Israel’s second-largest trading partner in Asia, with bilateral trade estimated at $5 billion in 2025, excluding defence transactions.

India is also the largest buyer of Israeli defence equipment, accounting for up to 34% of Israel’s total arms exports, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Regional security and Gaza ceasefire

The visit comes amid shifting regional alliances and ongoing security challenges. Referring to last year’s ceasefire in Gaza, Mr Modi said the truce created an opportunity for closer cooperation.

He also welcomed the US-brokered peace plan for Gaza, later endorsed by the United Nations, saying it holds the promise of a just and durable peace, including progress on the Palestine issue. However, uncertainty remains over the future of the truce with Hamas, with key governance and security questions yet to be resolved.

Strategic observers note that both leaders see their countries as operating in complex neighbourhoods marked by security threats and geopolitical shifts.

Connectivity push through IMEC

Connectivity initiatives also featured in the discussions. Mr Netanyahu told the Knesset that India and Israel are working on developing a maritime and land corridor linking India to Israel’s port of Haifa and onward to Europe.

The plan builds on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor initiative unveiled in September 2023. Although the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict soon after raised concerns about the project’s future, Israeli officials have indicated that the corridor remains viable.

Haifa port, partly acquired by India’s Adani Group, is expected to play a key role as the Mediterranean endpoint of the corridor.

As India and Israel seek to reinforce strategic, economic and security ties, the visit underlines the growing convergence between New Delhi and Tel Aviv in defence, trade and regional connectivity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the Knesset, expressing solidarity with Israel and condemning terrorism, while highlighting the growing partnership between the two nations.

Calling it a rare honour, Mr Modi said he brought greetings from 1.4 billion Indians and described his address as a symbol of the warmth between the two democracies.

Condolences over October 7 attack

The Prime Minister conveyed condolences for the lives lost in the October 7 attack by Hamas. He said India shares Israel’s grief and stands firmly with the country “with full conviction in this moment and beyond”.

“Nothing can justify terrorism,” Mr Modi said, adding that India too has suffered from terror attacks for decades. He recalled the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens, and reiterated India’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism without double standards.

Reference to Abraham Accords and regional hope

Referring to the Abraham Accords, Mr Modi said India had applauded the vision and courage shown at the time. While noting that the regional situation has since become more challenging, he stressed the importance of sustaining hope for peace.

Historic ties and expanding partnership

The Prime Minister said he was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel nine years ago and expressed happiness at returning. He also noted that he shares his birth date — September 17, 1950 — with the day India formally recognised Israel.

Recalling his earlier visit to Israel as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2006 and his 2017 trip as Prime Minister, Mr Modi said bilateral ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership during the latter visit. Since then, he added, engagement has broadened across sectors.

He pointed to cooperation in innovation, mentioning the inauguration of the iCreate Technology Business Incubator in 2018 with then Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The incubator, he said, has since supported nearly 900 start-ups.

Shared civilisational values

Mr Modi said Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution and have preserved their faith while participating fully in society. He described this as a matter of pride.

Highlighting philosophical parallels, he referred to the Israeli concept of “Tikkun Olam”, meaning healing the world, and India’s belief in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which sees the world as one family. Both traditions, he said, call for compassion and moral courage beyond immediate boundaries.

He also acknowledged the contribution of Indian caregivers and skilled workers in Israel, noting their courage and dedication, including during the October 7 crisis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his two-day visit to Israel on Wednesday, with a key defence agreement expected to be among the major outcomes of the trip.

According to sources, India and Israel are in advanced negotiations for a deal involving six mid-air refuelling aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The proposed agreement, estimated at around Rs 8,000 crore, would significantly strengthen India’s aerial refuelling capability.

Under the plan, an Israeli government-owned corporation is expected to collaborate with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to convert six pre-owned Boeing 767 passenger aircraft into military tanker jets for the IAF.

IAF’s long-pending tanker requirement

The Indian Air Force currently operates six ageing Russian-origin IL-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft. Efforts to procure additional tanker aircraft have remained unsuccessful for nearly two decades, leaving the force dependent on its limited fleet and, at times, leased aircraft to meet operational requirements.

If finalised, the new agreement would mark a significant upgrade in India’s aerial refuelling capacity, which plays a crucial role in extending the operational range and endurance of fighter jets and other aircraft.

Sources indicated that negotiations are ongoing, and the agreement is likely to be formalised in 2026.

High-level engagements in Israel

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. He will also address the Knesset and interact with members of the Indian diaspora.

In his departure statement, the Prime Minister described India and Israel’s relationship as a robust and multifaceted strategic partnership that has seen remarkable growth. He said he looks forward to discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas such as science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defence and security, trade and investment, and people-to-people ties.

The Prime Minister noted that his address to the Knesset would mark the first time an Indian Prime Minister addresses the Israeli Parliament.