PM Modi Lands in Israel for Historic Visit, Addresses Knesset & Boosts Ties with Netanyahu

"Excellent" Modi-Netanyahu Meeting

Mr. Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu, his counterpart in Israel, had an “excellent” meeting in which they touched on a breadth of matters intended to encourage bilateral relations and to present vital developments in the region.
“We discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties. Sectors such as technology, water management, agriculture, talent partnership and more offer immense scope for close collaboration. We also discussed key developments in the region,” Modi said.

Historic Knesset Speech by Modi

At the Knesset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a stirring welcome as Members of the Israeli Parliament welcomed him with applause. Speaking in front of the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, PM Benjamin Netanyahu praised PM Modi, who he called a great leader on the world stage.
“India is a gigantic power of almost one and a half billion people. Israel is somewhat smaller, but Israel is gigantic too. I want to say that the alliance between us is an enormous multiplier of our individual powers, an enormous multiplier...You stood with us,” Netanyahu said.

Defence, Tech Innovation, Trade, and Regional Talks

Defence and security cooperation — including possible cooperation on India’s indigenous air defence shield “Sudarshan Chakra” as well as on Israel’s Iron Dome technology — is likely to take centre stage. Economic engagement, innovation, trade and investment will also be prominent, based on the bilateral investment agreement and discussions pertaining to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at some stages. 

Modi will attend an innovation-oriented gathering in Jerusalem and join a joint visit to Yad Vashem. Regional events in Gaza, and overall West Asia will probably feature as well as Netanyahu’s “hexagon”—a collaboration comprising India, Arab countries, African countries and Mediterranean states.