What to Expect from PM Modi's Historic Visit to Israel: Key Discussions and Agreements
Historic Bilateral Meeting in Tel Aviv
In Tel Aviv, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are set to visit Yad Vashem on Thursday, followed by an extensive bilateral meeting at the King David Hotel.
The agenda will likely include a thorough assessment of the India-Israel Strategic Partnership, focusing on enhancing cooperation in defense, science and technology, trade, and cultural exchanges. The leaders are also expected to discuss significant regional and global issues.
During this visit, multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) related to economic, security, and diplomatic matters are anticipated to be signed, aimed at bolstering collaboration between the two nations. After the signing, both Prime Ministers will address the media to share the results of their discussions.
India is on the verge of finalizing a pivotal strategic partnership with Israel to acquire Iron Dome technology. This initiative is not merely a procurement deal; it is intended to be a fundamental aspect of India's indigenous 'Mission Sudarshan Chakra', also referred to as Project Kusha.
Israel has officially proposed to transfer Iron Dome technology to India under the 'Make in India' initiative, facilitating local manufacturing and integration into a comprehensive air defense system designed to counter short-range rockets, mortars, and drone swarms.
In addition to the Iron Dome, India is expressing keen interest in Israel's advanced Iron Beam laser system, which is viewed as a cost-effective, rapid-response solution against low-cost aerial threats. This collaboration aims to protect Indian cities and critical infrastructure with a high-success-rate defense system that would complement long-range platforms like the S-400, ultimately striving for an 'impregnable' national security framework by 2030.
PM Modi is also scheduled to meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog during his visit.
On Wednesday, PM Modi received a warm welcome at the Knesset, making history as the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament. This visit marks his second trip to Israel in ten years, following his 2017 visit.
He was honored with the Medal of the Knesset, and in a post on X, he expressed, 'I am deeply honored to receive the Medal of the Knesset. I accept it with humility and gratitude. This honor is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel. It reflects the shared values that guide our two nations,' thanking the Israeli Parliament for this recognition.