Shalom Modi! Netanyahu Breaks Protocol to Welcome "Great Friend" PM Modi in Tel Aviv

In a powerful display of diplomatic warmth and personal camaraderie, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tel Aviv on February 25, 2026, for a historic two-day state visit. According to a live report by The Hindu, the reception at Ben Gurion Airport was nothing short of extraordinary. Breaking standard diplomatic protocol, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accompanied by his wife Sara Netanyahu, personally received the Indian leader on the tarmac with a warm embrace. This visit, occurring nine years after the first-ever trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel in 2017, underscores the deep-rooted "Strategic Partnership" between the two resilient democracies and marks a significant chapter in the "Shalom Modi" era of bilateral relations.

The "Great Friend" Welcome at Ben Gurion

The chemistry between the two leaders was palpable as Netanyahu greeted PM Modi as a "great friend" and a "great leader." The Israeli Prime Minister even pointed out a subtle diplomatic gesture, noting that the color of PM Modi's pocket square perfectly matched the saffron dress worn by Sara Netanyahu. After receiving a Guard of Honour, the leaders held a private "tete-a-tete" right at the airport, reflecting the urgency and depth of the issues on their agenda. This personal rapport has been a cornerstone of the India-Israel relationship, facilitating rapid growth in sectors ranging from defense to digital innovation.

Historic Address to the Knesset of World

A defining moment of this 2026 visit is PM Modi's scheduled address to the Knesset, the parliament of Israel. He becomes the first Indian leader in history to be accorded this rare honor. This gesture is seen as a symbol of the profound political warmth and mutual respect between New Delhi and Jerusalem. The address is expected to highlight shared democratic values and the common challenge of global terrorism, an issue where both nations have consistently stood by each other.

Defense Cooperation: The Pillar of Partnership

Defense remains the bedrock of the bilateral bond. India is currently the largest buyer of Israeli arms, accounting for nearly 32% of Israel's total arms exports. During this visit, discussions are focused on upgrading security agreements and potentially integrating India into advanced defense technologies, such as the "Or Eitan" laser-based air defense system. This collaboration aligns with how PM Modi sets new goals for India on the global stage, emphasizing self-reliance and strategic autonomy.

Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations

Parallel to the diplomatic meetings, both nations have commenced the first round of formal negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement. This pact aims to revitalize bilateral trade, which saw a dip in the 2024-25 fiscal year due to regional disruptions. An FTA would provide greater market access and remove obstacles for capital flow, particularly in high-tech products, communications systems, and medical equipment.

Innovation and AI: Shaping the Future

The visit places a heavy emphasis on "disruptive technologies." PM Modi is scheduled to attend a specialized exhibition of Israeli innovations, focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Cybersecurity. According to LiveMint, the leaders aim to create a "talent partnership" that leverages India's vast human resource pool with Israel's cutting-edge R&D capabilities.

Agriculture and Water Management Focus

Recalling the successful 2017 visit where a new flower was named "MODI," agricultural cooperation continues to be a core sector. Israel's expertise in drip irrigation and water desalination is vital for India's food security. The leaders are reviewing the "3-Year Work Programme in Agriculture" to further institutionalize the transfer of techniques that can help realize India's vision for a second green revolution.

Navigating Geopolitical Headwinds

The visit occurs against a complex regional backdrop, including ongoing tensions in Gaza and a buildup of U.S. military assets in West Asia. Interestingly, this visit follows recent international praise for the Indian leader, as seen when Trump praised Modi at Davos 2026, signaling a strong consensus among world powers on India's pivotal role in global stability.

The Hexagon of Alliances Strategy

Netanyahu has publicly proposed a "Hexagon of Alliances," positioning India as a central pillar alongside Greece, Cyprus, and several Arab nations. This proposed framework seeks to create a system of stability in the Middle East and beyond. While India has not formally endorsed the specific structure, its participation in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) demonstrates its commitment to these regional linkages.

Yad Vashem: Honoring the Past

On the second day of his visit, PM Modi will visit Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. This visit is a poignant moment of reflection, honoring the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust. It serves to reinforce the shared emotional and historical bond between the two nations, both of which have risen from difficult histories to become significant global players.

Connecting with the Indian Diaspora

The Indian diaspora in Israel, consisting of over 32,000 workers and students, plays a crucial role in the "people-to-people" dimension of the partnership. As India looks toward its future, many look to India's youngest leaders to bridge the gap between traditional diplomacy and modern technological exchange, ensuring that the legacy of this visit continues through the next generation.

Addressing Global Challenges Together

The visit is not just about bilateral gains but also about addressing global interests. From discussing climate change to the impact of the U.S.-Iran tensions on energy security, the dialogue between Modi and Netanyahu covers a broad spectrum. The leaders are realigning their efforts toward a shared vision of prosperity for two of the most innovative and resilient democracies of world.

Cultural Milestones and Blind Indian Singer Performance

Adding a soft-power touch to the high-stakes diplomacy, cultural milestones are being celebrated throughout the visit. Blind Indian singer Dina Semte, alongside the Shalva Band, is set to perform for PM Modi. Such events highlight the deep human and artistic connections that bridge the two nations, proving that the India-Israel bond is as much about hearts as it is about hardware.

Conclusion: A New Era of Strategic Trust

As PM Modi concludes his engagements in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, the visit is being hailed as a strategic turning point. The transition from a buyer-seller relationship to a "Special Strategic Partnership" is now formalizing. With major MoUs expected in AI, defense, and trade, the "Modi-Netanyahu" friendship continues to powerfully influence the trajectory of India-Israel relations, setting a robust agenda for the years to come.

Source & AI Information: External links in this article are provided for informational reference to authoritative sources. This content was drafted with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence tools to ensure comprehensive coverage, and subsequently reviewed by a human editor prior to publication.