Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on Wednesday for crucial talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, seeking to review the India-Israel Strategic Partnership while carefully navigating the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding recent tensions in the West Bank.

The visit comes shortly after India joined more than 100 countries at the United Nations in criticising Israel’s actions in the West Bank — a move that underscored New Delhi’s long-standing support for a two-state solution even as it deepens strategic ties with Tel Aviv.

During the high-level discussions, both leaders are expected to assess progress in key areas such as defence cooperation, agriculture, water management, cybersecurity, and innovation. Science and technology collaboration — particularly in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, space research, and start-up ecosystems — is likely to feature prominently on the agenda.

India and Israel have steadily expanded their engagement since establishing full diplomatic relations in 1992. Over the years, Israel has emerged as a key defence supplier to India, while cooperation has broadened to include joint research initiatives, counter-terrorism efforts, and knowledge-sharing in sustainable agriculture and water conservation.

Modi’s visit reflects India’s nuanced West Asia policy — strengthening bilateral ties with Israel while maintaining strong relations with the Palestinian leadership and Arab nations. By supporting the UN resolution critical of Israeli actions in the West Bank, New Delhi signalled that its growing partnership with Israel does not dilute its independent foreign policy stance.

Officials indicated that regional security developments, including the situation in the West Bank and broader Middle East dynamics, may also be discussed during the talks.

Modi’s 2017 visit to Israel was historic, as he became the first Indian prime minister to travel to the country. That landmark trip marked a visible shift in bilateral engagement and laid the groundwork for an enhanced strategic partnership.

The current visit aims to consolidate those gains, expand cooperation into new domains, and reaffirm the commitment of both nations to a forward-looking partnership rooted in innovation, security, and shared strategic interests.

As geopolitical complexities intensify in West Asia, Modi’s Israel outreach highlights India’s effort to balance principle with pragmatism in its global diplomacy.