Tel Aviv: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on a two-day official visit, marking his second trip to the country in nine years. He was received at Ben Gurion Airport by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu. The Indian Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon arrival.
PM Netanyahu shared a video clip of the welcome ceremony on social media platform X, addressing Modi as “my friend” and describing the visit as historic. The Israeli Prime Minister also posted details of Modi’s official schedule.
First Indian PM to Address the Knesset
As per the official itinerary, PM Modi will address the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. He will also participate in a community event with the Indian diaspora and attend a technology exhibition during his visit.
An official reception ceremony will be held at the Knesset, followed by a state dinner in his honour at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem.
Visit to Yad Vashem and Bilateral Talks
On Thursday morning, PM Modi and PM Netanyahu will visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Centre, a customary stop for visiting world leaders.
The two leaders are scheduled to hold high-level bilateral talks at the King David Hotel, where pre-negotiated agreements are expected to be exchanged. A joint media statement will follow the meeting.
Defence Cooperation on Agenda
During the visit, discussions are likely to include defence cooperation, including potential deals related to drones and anti-ballistic missile systems.
PM Modi is expected to depart Israel on Thursday afternoon at around 2 pm local time.
Special Welcome by Israeli Media
Leading Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post published a special front-page message welcoming PM Modi. The cover featured his photograph alongside greetings in Hindi — “Namaste” — and Hebrew — “Shalom,” symbolising peace and friendship between the two nations.
The visit is expected to further strengthen India-Israel strategic ties across defence, technology, agriculture, and innovation sectors.
