In a move seen as breaking Israel’s relative international isolation amid its ongoing war in Gaza, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed 16 agreements with Israel during a two-day visit to the country.
Modi arrived in Israel on Wednesday for talks aimed at strengthening ties in trade and defense. The visit was marked by an unusually warm reception. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally welcomed Modi at the airport and later accompanied him to address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, where lawmakers applauded and cheered.
Netanyahu hailed Modi as “a great global leader and a great friend; more than that, a great brother.”
He added: “They say India has achieved tremendous accomplishments. That is not accurate. It should be said that thanks to your leadership, your wisdom, and your determination, India has achieved its successes.”
The Israeli premier also thanked Modi for India’s assistance during the recent Gaza war, noting that New Delhi had supplied Israel with ammunition and drones.
Sixteen Agreements and a Historic Honor
The Israeli government announced the signing of 16 bilateral agreements during the visit. In a symbolic gesture, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana awarded Modi the “Knesset Medal,” marking the first time the honor has been bestowed on a visiting leader.
This is Modi’s second visit to Israel since taking office, nearly nine years after his first trip in 2017.
Beyond political symbolism, the relationship carries significant economic weight. India is Israel’s second-largest trading partner in Asia. According to India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, total bilateral trade reached $3.62 billion in fiscal year 2025.
Renewed Indian Condemnation of October 7
For his part, Modi declared that “India stands with Israel at this moment and beyond.” Addressing the Knesset plenary, he offered condolences for those killed in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack launched by Hamas, describing it as a “terrorist and brutal attack.”
Modi also praised a plan proposed by US President Donald Trump that he said would safeguard Palestinian national rights.
Expanding Strategic Ties, Secrecy
Observers view the visit not merely as a reflection of improved relations, but as a major step in advancing strategic cooperation. The agreements include memoranda of understanding designed to deepen coordination across several sectors, particularly in security, with officials describing the partnership as a “distinguished strategic relationship.”
Security sources revealed that the two sides reached an arrangement establishing a “confidentiality framework,” allowing India access to previously restricted Israeli systems. These reportedly include advanced air defense systems and integration into Israel’s laser-based air defense network. India is also expected to receive licenses to manufacture certain Israeli weapons systems domestically.
The Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth quoted a senior political official as saying the agreement would provide greater flexibility to security agencies and enable both countries to rely on one another when necessary, calling it “a major revolution.”
Writing in the right-leaning newspaper Israel Hayom, columnist and former lawmaker Zvi Hauser, a political ally of Netanyahu, said one of the key issues Modi and Netanyahu would discuss is Iran’s future and the prospects for the fall of its regime. Hauser suggested that Israel, India, and a post-Revolution Iran could form a powerful strategic alliance in the region.
