Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought his significant two-day State Visit to Israel to a close on Thursday. PM Netanyahu and First Lady Sara Netanyahu were present at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv to bid him goodbye.
The two leaders embraced warmly and exchanged brief remarks before PM Modi boarded his aircraft, signalling the cordial nature of their relationship.
Earlier in Jerusalem, the Prime Ministers conducted detailed discussions and agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a Special Strategic Partnership.
In a statement posted on X, PM Modi described, “Today’s discussions with PM Netanyahu were very fruitful. We’ve taken a historic decision to elevate our time-tested partnership to a Special Strategic Partnership. This decision reflects the aspirations of the people of both countries.”
Today’s discussions with PM Netanyahu were very fruitful. We’ve taken a historic decision to elevate our time-tested partnership to a Special Strategic Partnership. This decision reflects the aspirations of the people of both countries.@netanyahu pic.twitter.com/zXJr2re3Mb
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2026
The leaders resolved to accelerate collaboration in trade, economic engagement and frontier technologies. They announced the launch of a Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership aimed at deepening cooperation in innovative and high-growth areas.
Agriculture was identified as a priority sector, with an agreement to expand the network of Centres of Excellence to 100 to enhance support for farmers.
During his engagements, PM Modi met Israeli President Isaac Herzog to explore further cooperation in education, innovation, start-ups and connectivity.
The two leaders also planted a sapling in the Presidential Gardens as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. PM Modi extended an invitation to President Herzog to visit India.
The Prime Minister paid solemn tribute at the Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem, laying a wreath in memory of Holocaust victims. He toured key sections of the memorial, including the Book of Names, and signed the official guest book.
On the first day of his visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a Special Plenary session of the Knesset. He thus became the first Indian Prime Minister to speak at Israel’s Parliament.
The address marked a historic moment in India–Israel relations. It underscored the growing political and strategic engagement between the two countries.
Later in the day, PM Modi met members of the cast of the acclaimed Israeli series Fauda. The interaction provided a lighter moment during the otherwise formal visit.
The visit underscored the steady expansion of India–Israel ties and set the stage for deeper strategic cooperation in the years ahead.
Also Read: PM Modi Reaffirms India’s Support For Peaceful Solutions In Talks With Israel
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