Tel Aviv

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Tel Aviv for a two-day state visit to Israel, aimed at further strengthening the “robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership” between the two countries.

PM Modi is visiting Israel at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. On arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, the Prime Minister was accorded a Guard of Honour. Netanyahu, accompanied by his wife Sara Netanyahu, personally received PM Modi, with the two leaders sharing a warm hug, reflecting their close personal rapport.

Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar was also present to welcome the Prime Minister.

Ahead of his departure, PM Modi said the visit would provide an opportunity to further deepen the India–Israel partnership. “India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years,” he said, adding that he looked forward to discussions with Netanyahu to expand cooperation across various sectors.

Meanwhile, the streets of Jerusalem reflected a festive atmosphere ahead of the Prime Minister’s arrival, with tricolours adorning shopfronts and members of the Indian community preparing welcome events.

During the visit, PM Modi is scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and will also address the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. Ahead of the address, he will hold a brief meeting with Netanyahu.

“I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset — an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister also expressed his eagerness to engage with the Indian diaspora in Israel, crediting them with strengthening bilateral goodwill.

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Earlier, President Isaac Herzog welcomed the visit, saying in a post on X that Israel and its people looked forward to receiving the Indian Prime Minister, underlining the close ties between the two nations.