Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history by becoming first Indian Prime Minister to address the plenum of the Knesset, during his two-day visit to Israel starting February 25, 2026. The visit is his second since 2017. It is being viewed as a milestone moment in India–Israel relations, reflecting growing strategic trust, deepening economic engagement, and expanding defence cooperation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed the visit “historic,” highlighting the strengthening partnership in defence, innovation, and regional cooperation.
Why This Visit is Significant
- First-ever address by an Indian PM in the Israeli Parliament.
- Symbol of growing political and strategic convergence.
- Opportunity to review common regional and global challenges.
- Reaffirmation of India–Israel long-standing strategic partnership.
India–Israel Relations: Historical Background
Recognition & Diplomatic Ties
- India recognised Israel on September 17, 1950.
- Full diplomatic relations were established only in 1992.
Why the Delay Until 1992?
Several factors shaped India’s cautious approach:
- India’s commitment to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
- Close ties with Arab nations due to oil dependence.
- Support for the Palestinian cause by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi.
- Need for Arab backing on the Kashmir issue.
- Cold War geopolitical alignments (Israel aligned with the US and NATO).
Turning Point
- Collapse of the Soviet Union.
- Oslo Accords between Israel and the PLO.
- Economic liberalisation in India.
- Realisation of shared technological and security interests.
Key Pillars of India–Israel Relations
Defence Cooperation
Israel has been among India’s top arms suppliers for over two decades.
Major Defence Platforms Used by India:
- Phalcon AWACS
- Heron drones
- Barak missile defence systems
Make in India Collaborations:
Israeli companies like:
- IAI
- Elbit Systems
- Rafael
Have partnered with Indian firms such as:
- Bharat Forge
- Tata Advanced Systems
- Adani Group
India is Israel’s largest arms buyer, spending $20.5 billion between 2020–2024.
Economic & Trade Relations
- Bilateral trade (excluding defence): $10.1 billion in FY 2022–23
- Trade in 2024 (defence-heavy): $3.9 billion
- India is Israel’s:
- Third-largest trade partner in Asia
- Seventh-largest globally
Major Indian Exports:
- Pearls & precious stones
- Chemicals
- Machinery
- Textiles
- Metals
- Agricultural goods
Israeli Exports to India:
- Defence equipment
- Chemicals
- Machinery
- Petroleum oils
- Electrical equipment
A bilateral investment treaty was signed in September 2025.
Strategic Groupings – I2U2
Founded in 2021:
Members:
- India
- Israel
- UAE
- USA
Also known as:
- West Asian Quad
- Middle East Quad
Focus:
- Economic development
- Technology
- Regional stability
Agriculture & Water Cooperation
Agriculture has been a core pillar since 1992.
- Five three-year joint agricultural work programmes.
- Centres of Excellence in India.
- 2016 MoU on Water Resources Management.
Israel’s drip irrigation and desert farming expertise has significantly benefited Indian agriculture.
Science & Technology
- Joint S&T Committee (since 1993).
- India-Israel Industrial R&D Fund (I4F).
- Academic cooperation between Indian universities and Israeli institutions.
- UGC–Israel Science Foundation joint research funding.
Energy Cooperation
India has shown interest in Israeli gas fields:
- Tamar
- Leviathan
Indian companies like ONGC Videsh and Indian Oil were granted exploration licenses.
Cultural & Diaspora Links
Approximately 85,000 Jews of Indian origin live in Israel.
Major communities:
- Bene Israelis (Maharashtra)
- Cochini Jews (Kerala)
- Baghdadi Jews (Kolkata)
- Bnei Menashe (North-East India)
Cultural and academic exchanges continue to grow.
Challenges in India- Israel Relationship
Despite strong ties, some strategic complexities remain:
- Iran Factor
- Israel sees Iran as a threat.
- India maintains ties with Iran for energy and Chabahar Port access.
- Arab World Balance
- India maintains strong relations with Gulf countries.
- Sensitive stance on Palestine issue.
- China’s Role
- China is Israel’s largest Asian trading partner.
- FTA Stalemate
- Negotiations slowed due to concerns from Indian industries.
- Balancing Israel–Palestine
- India supports a two-state solution.
- Careful diplomatic balancing required.
Strategic Implications
PM Modi’s address to the Knesset signifies:
- High-level political trust.
- Institutionalisation of partnership.
- Expansion beyond defence into technology, AI, water, agriculture, and innovation.
- Greater geopolitical coordination in West Asia.
This moment reflects the transformation of India–Israel ties from cautious engagement (pre-1992) to a full-spectrum strategic partnership.
Knesset – Static Facts
- The unicameral legislature of Israel
- Comprises 120 members
- Located in Jerusalem
- Equivalent to India’s Parliament (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha combined legislative authority)
- Other Foreign Leaders Who Addressed the Knesset
- Donald Trump (USA)
- Javier Milei (Argentina)