Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Israel on Wednesday to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and bolster bilateral cooperation in defence and security, trade and economic relations, and innovation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Tuesday. The visit, described by the MEA as Mr. Modi’s “second visit” to Israel, will see the two leaders review progress in the India‑Israel strategic partnership and explore further areas of collaboration.
According to the MEA, the leaders will discuss expanded cooperation in science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and the economy, and people‑to‑people exchanges. The ministry’s statement framed the visit as an opportunity to consolidate recent gains in the partnership and identify new avenues for joint work.
Prime Minister Modi will also call on Israel’s President Isaac Herzog during the stopover, the MEA added.
Coinciding with the visit, the first round of negotiations for a proposed India‑Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) opened in New Delhi and will continue until February 26, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said. The ministry said the timing of the talks gives fresh momentum to deepen economic ties and signal a joint push to expand trade and investment links.
The Terms of Reference for the FTA were signed in November 2025, creating a structured framework for detailed discussions. Officials expect the agreement to provide greater certainty and predictability for businesses, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and to unlock opportunities across sectors.
Both governments point to complementary strengths in innovation, science and technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, high‑tech manufacturing, agriculture and services. India’s chief negotiator, Ajay Bhadoo, stressed the need for a balanced, forward‑looking pact that reflects the evolving partnership. Israel’s chief negotiator, Yifat Alon Perel, said the FTA could strengthen supply chains, enhance cooperation and open new markets for both countries.
Original Source: https://tripurachronicle.in/national-news/pm-modi-on-israel-visit-from-today-to-boost-defence-trade-and-innovation-ties/
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Publish Date: 2026-02-25 15:51:00
