TEL AVIV (Feb 26, 2026) — In a historic address to the Knesset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the India-Israel partnership as a “vital pillar” of regional stability, marking his first visit to the country in nine years with a series of high-level defence and trade commitments.
Defence: From Buyer to Partner
PM Modi and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled a transition in their security relationship toward “more sensitive” joint projects:
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Missile Systems: India is expected to finalize a major order for Israeli-made missile systems. While specifics remain private, the deal underscores India’s position as the buyer of 34% of all Israeli arms exports.
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Counter-Terrorism: Both leaders, citing their positions in “dangerous neighborhoods,” pledged deeper cooperation against regional militancy.
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Joint Manufacturing: The focus has shifted from simple procurement to the joint production of advanced drones and missiles.
Trade and the IMEC Corridor
The visit placed heavy emphasis on economic integration and a post-war regional roadmap:
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Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Negotiators kicked off talks this week for a comprehensive pact, aiming to expand bilateral trade which hit $5 billion in 2025 (excluding defence).
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IMEC Revival: Netanyahu confirmed progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), noting that the Adani-owned Haifa Port is primed to serve as the Mediterranean gateway connecting India to Europe.
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Gaza Peace Plan: PM Modi endorsed the US-brokered peace plan, calling it a “promise of durable peace” that addresses the Palestine issue while allowing for closer regional infrastructure cooperation.
Geopolitical Context
The strengthening of the New Delhi-Tel Aviv axis comes as regional rivals shift their own alliances, notably with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia recently signing a mutual defence pact and Turkey seeking to join that alliance.
“In today’s uncertain world, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance,” PM Modi told the Knesset.
