PC: (The Times of Israel, NDTV)
PM Modi Leaves for Historic Two-Day Visit to Israel
Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed on Wednesday for a two-day visit to Israel at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday, PM Modi will hold extensive talks with Netanyahu during the visit. The discussions are expected to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Israel.
Second Visit by PM Modi to Israel – A Milestone in Bilateral Ties
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to Israel as Prime Minister. His landmark first visit in 2017 made him the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Jewish-majority nation. The current visit is widely seen as a potential turning point in India’s military modernisation efforts, with deep focus on defence, technology, and security cooperation.
Iron Dome Air Defence System – A Major Highlight of the Visit
Just ahead of the visit, Israel’s Consul General in India, Yaniv Revach, stated that Israel is ready to supply its world-renowned Iron Dome air defence system to India. Importantly, this would not be a simple purchase deal – the proposal includes joint production in India under the Make in India initiative. The Iron Dome is a mobile, all-weather, short-range air defence system capable of detecting and destroying rockets, mortars, and drones within a 4-70 km range, offering critical protection to border areas and populated cities.
Al-Powered Drones and Next-Generation Defence Technologies
Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, emphasised that the visit will centre around defence and artificial intelligence, forging an unbreakable security bond between the two nations. Both countries are expected to collaborate on developing Al-enabled drones capable of autonomous decision-making and precision strikes with minimal human intervention. This cooperation aims to address emerging threats, including terrorism.
Defence Deals Worth Approximately 71,000 Crore on the Table
Government sources indicate that defence agreements valued at around ₹71,000 crore (approximately $8.5 billion) could be finalised during the visit. The proposed package reportedly includes. Spice 1000 precision-guided bombs. Rampage air-to-ground missiles. Air LORA ballistic missiles technical collaboration on advanced laser-based weapon systems. These acquisitions are expected to significantly enhance India’s precision strike and air defence capabilities.
Proposed New Security Alliance and Global Issues
The two leaders will also discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest. Israel has proposed a new security network involving India, Israel, Greece, and Cyprus to counter extremism and regional instability. PM Modi is scheduled to address a joint session of the Israeli Knesset (parliament), where the world’s attention will be focused on this emerging defence axis.
Expanding Cooperation Beyond Defence
In addition to defence and security, the visit will cover cooperation in science & technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, trade & economy, and people-to-people exchanges. PM Modi will also meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
This visit is not merely diplomatic – it is set to open a new chapter in deep-rooted defence, technological, and strategic partnership between the world’s largest democracy and the Middle East’s leading innovation hub.