Narendra Modi Israel Visit 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has captured the spotlight in Israel even before his arrival, with the Jerusalem Post placing him on its front page ahead of his two-day state visit beginning Wednesday. This marks Modi’s first visit to Israel since 2017, highlighting the growing strategic and diplomatic partnership between New Delhi and Jerusalem. The newspaper’s editor shared the cover featuring Modi waving, along with stories that explore India-Israel relations and the evolving cooperation across defence, technology, trade, and innovation. Headlines such as “Welcome, Modi” and “New Delhi’s burgeoning partnership with Jerusalem” reflect the significance of this historic trip.
The newspaper also published a feature titled ‘The Modi Doctrine and India’s Growing Partnership with Israel’, portraying Modi’s approach as a decisive shift in India’s foreign policy. For decades, India had aligned strongly with the Palestinian cause, even voting against Israel’s creation at the UN in 1947. Modi’s 2017 visit broke with this tradition, bypassing the Palestinian Authority and opening a new chapter in India-Israel ties. During that visit, he became the first Indian Prime Minister to travel to Israel, establishing a precedent for deeper bilateral engagement.
During the current visit, PM Modi is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. Discussions are expected to span defence, security, science and technology, trade, agriculture, water management, and people-to-people exchanges. Netanyahu described Modi as a “dear friend” and praised the growing alignment between the two nations, emphasizing shared goals of stability, innovation, and regional progress.
This trip also comes at a sensitive geopolitical moment, following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas under the “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict” last October. India, along with over 100 nations, recently condemned Israel’s expansion in the West Bank, adding nuance to Modi’s visit. A historic highlight will be Modi addressing the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament—a first for any Indian Prime Minister. Indian envoy JP Singh told the Jerusalem Post that this address represents a key moment in the diplomatic relationship, further cementing the Modi Doctrine of proactive and strategic foreign engagement.
The visit underscores the deepening India-Israel partnership and signals a broader vision of collaboration across multiple sectors. With the Modi Doctrine at its core, India is positioning itself as a reliable partner for Israel in technology, defence, trade, and regional security. This diplomatic initiative reflects a larger narrative of India stepping confidently onto the global stage, combining pragmatism with innovation and strategic foresight.
Modi’s Israel visit is more than ceremonial; it is a testament to the evolution of India-Israel relations, the growing strategic alignment between two resilient democracies, and the possibilities of forward-looking diplomacy in a rapidly shifting world. The outcomes of this trip are expected to shape not only bilateral cooperation but also regional stability and global partnerships for years to come.
FAQ: Narendra Modi’s 2026 Israel Visit
Q1: When is PM Modi visiting Israel?
PM Modi’s two-day state visit to Israel begins on Wednesday, marking his first trip to the country since 2017.
Q2: Why is this visit significant?
This visit highlights the growing India-Israel strategic partnership and is the first time an Indian Prime Minister will address the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament. It also underscores Modi’s diplomatic approach, often referred to as the “Modi Doctrine.”
Q3: Who will PM Modi meet during the visit?
He will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog to discuss cooperation in defence, technology, trade, agriculture, water management, and people-to-people exchanges.
Q4: What is the “Modi Doctrine”?
The Modi Doctrine refers to India’s proactive and strategic foreign policy approach under PM Modi, emphasizing innovation-driven partnerships, defence collaboration, and strengthening ties with nations like Israel.
Q5: Has India’s approach toward Israel changed over time?
Yes. Historically, India supported the Palestinian cause and did not have strong ties with Israel. Modi’s 2017 visit marked a significant shift, opening the door to deeper bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
Q6: What geopolitical context surrounds this visit?
The visit comes after Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025. India, along with other nations, recently condemned Israeli expansion in the West Bank, situating Modi’s visit in a complex regional scenario.
Q7: What are the expected outcomes of this visit?
The visit aims to strengthen strategic partnerships in defence, technology, trade, and regional security, while also reinforcing the people-to-people and cultural ties between India and Israel.
Top 5 Key Takeaways: PM Modi’s Israel Visit 2026
- Historic Visit: PM Narendra Modi is visiting Israel for the first time since 2017, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset.
- Strengthening Ties: The visit highlights the growing India-Israel partnership across defence, technology, trade, agriculture, and water management.
- Modi Doctrine in Action: Modi’s proactive foreign policy emphasizes strategic collaboration, innovation-driven partnerships, and deeper bilateral ties.
- High-Level Meetings: Modi will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog to discuss shared goals and regional cooperation.
- Geopolitical Context: The visit takes place after the Israel-Hamas ceasefire in October 2025 and amid India’s recent condemnation of West Bank expansion, showcasing diplomacy in a complex regional scenario.