PM Modi To Begin Two-Day Israel Visit Today, Rs 71,000 Crore Defence Deal and Key Talks on Agenda

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going on a two-day visit to Israel from today i.e. Wednesday. This is his second visit to Israel in nine years and this time the visit is considered special because tensions have increased in West Asia – especially the relations between America and Iran are deteriorating. At such a time, this visit seems to be a step to further strengthen the strong friendship between India and Israel.

Why is this journey important?

Modi ji will be in Israel on 25 and 26 February. His first visit in 2017 elevated the relationship between the two countries to the status of a strategic partnership. After that Netanyahu came to India in 2018. Now this second visit shows how deep the trust and cooperation from both sides have become. The Ministry of External Affairs is saying that this visit will provide an opportunity to reiterate old promises as well as work together on the upcoming challenges.

Who will he meet and what will happen?

The Prime Minister will address the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) – a first for an Indian PM. He will hold long talks with Benjamin Netanyahu, meet with President Isaac Herzog. On Wednesday night, Netanyahu is hosting a private dinner at his home in honor of Modi ji. Netanyahu himself has written on Twitter that he is eagerly waiting for Modi ji. There may also be a program of visiting Yad Vashem (Holocaust Memorial) and programs related to innovation during the trip.

Will the trade agreement move forward?

Just before the visit, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the two countries are in full swing. The four-day meeting, which began on February 23, will end on February 26. Both countries want greater cooperation in trade, investment and technology. If this agreement is reached, the economies of both will benefit greatly.

Maximum focus on defense and security

Defense and security will be the biggest issue in the meeting of the two leaders. India is making its own indigenous air defense system named 'Sudarshan Chakra'. There may be talk of including some parts of the multi-layer defense system like Israel's famous Iron Dome. Both countries are already very close in counter-terrorism, high technology, and defence. This visit can open the way for new agreements and technology sharing.

Overall, this visit is not just a formal meeting. This is going to lay the foundation for a strong future partnership between the two countries. In this period of tension, India and Israel are standing as strong allies of each other. It is expected that this will further deepen the relations between the two countries.