PM Modi’s Israel visit: From his warm hug with Benjamin Netanyahu to his address at the Knesset, here are the key moments that highlight the strength of India-Israel strategic ties.
(Photo Credit : PTI)
1 / 6Red-Carpet Welcome at Ben Gurion Airport | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, February 25, arrived in Israel to a ceremonial red-carpet welcome at Ben Gurion International Airport, PTI reported. He was received personally by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara. The two leaders greeted each other with a warm hug and handshake, signalling the close ties between the two countries. A guard of honour was also presented to the Indian leader. (Image: PTI)
2 / 6Second Visit Since 2017 | This marks Modi’s second visit to Israel in nine years. According to PTI, during his first visit in July 2017, the India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of a strategic partnership. The current visit aims to further strengthen that framework amid evolving regional and global developments. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 6Talks Focused on Technology, Defence and Trade | As per PTI, Modi and Netanyahu held a private meeting soon after the welcome ceremony and later described their discussions as “excellent.” The talks covered technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defence, security, trade and investment. Both leaders also discussed regional developments. Defence cooperation remains a key pillar of the partnership, with Israel being a major supplier of military systems to India. (Image: PTI)
4 / 6Warm Welcome by Indian Diaspora | When Modi reached the Hotel King David in Jerusalem, members of the 41,000-strong Indian diaspora welcomed him warmly, PTI reported. The community includes Indian-origin Jews, students, professionals and workers. Cultural performances featured Kerala’s Thiruvathira, Rajasthan’s Ghoomer and the Israeli folk dance Hava Nagila, highlighting strong people-to-people ties. (Image: PTI)
5 / 6Historic Address to the Knesset | During the visit, Modi addressed Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. The address is seen as a key milestone in parliamentary and diplomatic engagement between the two nations. (Image: Reuters)
6 / 6Visit Amid Regional Tensions | The visit assumes added importance as it comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including strained ties between the US and Iran. Both leaders discussed key regional and global issues of mutual interest during their meetings. (Image: AP)
