By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – The Government official sources confirmed on Sunday that India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel later this month to meet with his counterpart Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the two nations seek to deepen bilateral ties in key areas, especially defence, agriculture and counter-terrorism.
The official sources quoted in media saying that the exact dates of the much-anticipated visit are yet to be announced, indications are that Mr. Modi will travel to the Jewish State on 27-28 February.
MEA said that this will be PM’S Modi third first visit to Israel during his third term in office.
Modi visited Israel about 9 years ago.
He will hold extensive talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom he enjoys a close personal relationship, media reported.
Both leaders are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation but also regional and global developments, including the security situation in West Asia.
They had an animated discussion last month during which Netanyahu extended an invitation to the PM to visit his country.
The visit came at a time when both countries are keen to sign a Free Trade Agreement.
Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said the two countries are set to fast-track negotiations for an FTA.
India and Israel have steadily upgraded their ties over the past decade, with defence and security cooperation emerged as one of the central pillars of the partnership.
Israel is India’s key defence technology partners, supplying critical systems ranging from missiles and drones to surveillance and air defence platforms.
Both nations have also expanded cooperation in cyber security, space and innovation ecosystems.
On the Gaza Peace Plan, the multilateral agreement between Israel and Hamas that aims to address the ongoing Gaza war will be discussed during the talks between the two sides.
Netanyahu has briefed the Indian leadership on the implementation and progress of the Gaza Peace Plan even as Modi reiterated India’s consistent support for a just, durable peace in the region.
Both nations are victims of terrorism, have solidly backed each other in the global fight against the menace.
India was the first countries to condemn the October 7, 2023, terror attack by Hamas while Israel came in full support of India’s stand against Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in April last year.
Modi will be accompanied by a high-powered delegation during his visit, including important ministers and business leaders, media reported.
