Modi arrives in Israel for second visit as defence, trade ties deepen

TEL AVIV (MNTV) – Narendra Modi has arrived in Israel for his second official visit, underscoring the steady expansion of political, economic and military cooperation between New Delhi and Tel Aviv under his leadership and that of Benjamin Netanyahu.

Welcoming Modi at the airport alongside his wife, Sara Netanyahu, Netanyahu described the partnership as a “tremendous alliance” and said the two sides would discuss a broad range of cooperative initiatives.

Modi, posting images of the reception on X, said it was an honour to be received by the Israeli premier and expressed hope for “fruitful outcomes” that would further strengthen bilateral friendship.

Netanyahu also shared footage of the leaders embracing on the tarmac, calling Modi “no greater friend” and a “wonderful leader”.

Expanding trade and investment

The visit follows the signing of a new bilateral investment treaty in September last year, replacing a 1996 agreement and aimed at providing greater certainty and protection for investors in both countries.

The move came months after Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich travelled to New Delhi, where the two sides agreed to boost mutual trade and investment.

Official figures show bilateral trade reached $3.9 billion in 2024, while mutual investments are currently valued at around $800 million.

Defence cooperation at the forefront

Defence ties remain central to the relationship. Since 2014, Israel has emerged as one of India’s leading arms suppliers, second only to France in recent years. Between 2020 and 2024, India spent an estimated $20.5 billion on Israeli military hardware, including radar systems, missiles and drones — accounting for more than a third of Israel’s total arms exports.

The two countries are expected to advance an $8.6 billion deal for Israeli-made weaponry, including Air Lora air-to-surface ballistic missiles, and to deepen collaboration on air-defence systems and cybersecurity.

Political criticism at home and abroad

Modi’s trip comes as Israel’s genocide in Gaza continues. According to Palestinian health authorities, at least 72,073 people have been killed and 171,756 wounded since October 2023.

India has maintained defence exports to Israel during the conflict, supplying missiles, explosives and drones, even as several other countries suspended such transfers amid concerns about complicity.

The growing partnership has drawn criticism from opposition figures in India.

Marian Alexander Baby, a leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), said the visit would be “an indelible blot on our nation’s soul”, accusing Modi of abandoning India’s historical support for Palestinian self-determination.

Congress MP Imran Masood urged the prime minister to raise the issue of civilian deaths in Gaza, saying India’s stated position remains supportive of Palestine.

Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi also called on Modi to address what she described as a genocide of civilians in Gaza during his planned speech at the Knesset.

In Israel, opposition lawmakers are reportedly planning to boycott Modi’s address to the parliament in protest over Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana’s decision not to invite Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit to attend the special session.

The move comes amid ongoing tensions between Netanyahu’s government and the judiciary, including disputes involving Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.

Officials from both sides say the visit is intended to consolidate strategic, economic and security cooperation, signalling that ties between India and Israel are likely to deepen further in the years ahead.