Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Israel on a two-day state visit from 25 to 26 February 2026 at the invitation of his close associate and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The visit is being positioned as an effort to further strengthen the India-Israel strategic partnership.
Ahead of the visit, political reactions have intensified domestically. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi issued a statement regarding the Prime Minister’s visit and urged him to raise a specific issue during his address.
Priyanka Gandhi said she expects Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the Israeli Parliament, to refer to the thousands of innocent men, women and children killed in Gaza and to seek justice for them. She stated that as an independent nation, India has always stood for truth and should convey a message of peace and justice to the world. Her remarks come at a time when tensions continue in West Asia and the Gaza issue remains under international discussion.
Before departing for Israel, Prime Minister Modi said he was undertaking the state visit at the invitation of his “dear friend” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He stated that India and Israel share a b and multi-dimensional strategic partnership that has made notable progress in recent years.
The Prime Minister said he would discuss with Netanyahu ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defence and security, trade and investment. He added that the two sides would also exchange views on regional and global issues.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. He will also meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and interact with members of the Indian diaspora in Israel.
The government has stated that the visit is expected to deepen India-Israel relations, with ongoing cooperation in defence, technology and agriculture likely to be further strengthened.
