Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome at Ben Gurion Airport before holding a one-on-one meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The private discussion took place at the airport before PM Modi’s planned speech at the Knesset in Jerusalem.
Leaders Share Warm Words
A video released by Netanyahu’s office showed a friendly exchange between the two leaders. Netanyahu greeted PM Modi warmly and said, “This is a bond of a real friendship.” He also called him “my great friend,” which made PM Modi laugh.
After their meeting, PM Modi shared details on social media. He described the interaction as an “excellent meeting” with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
“Expressed gratitude to him for the warm welcome earlier in the day. It is a delight to be back in Israel after 9 years. We discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties. Sectors such as technology, water management, agriculture, talent partnership and more offer immense scope for close collaboration. We also discussed key developments in the region,” PM Modi wrote.
Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Expressed gratitude to him for the warm welcome earlier in the day. It is a delight to be back in Israel after 9 years. We discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties. Sectors such as technology,… pic.twitter.com/uh1cyL411c
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026
Historic Visit Highlighted
Earlier, Netanyahu posted that he and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, personally welcomed PM Modi for “another historic visit.”
He recalled PM Modi’s earlier visit to Israel in 2017. He also mentioned his own return visit to India, which he described as “truly exceptional.”
“My wife Sara and I welcomed today our good friend, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, who has arrived for another historic visit to Israel. Prime Minister Modi previously visited Israel in 2017, and I later paid a reciprocal visit to India that was truly exceptional,” he said.
Netanyahu stressed their strong personal connection. “We speak often, and I believe that the deep friendship between us powerfully reflects on the ties between our two countries,” he added.
My wife Sara and I welcomed today our good friend, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, who has arrived for another historic visit to Israel.
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) February 25, 2026
Prime Minister Modi previously visited Israel in 2017, and I later paid a reciprocal visit to India that was truly exceptional.
We… pic.twitter.com/d7mrCa3tQR
Packed Diplomatic Schedule
During the visit, both leaders will attend a celebratory event at the Knesset. They will also take part in an innovation program in Jerusalem. Later, Netanyahu will host PM Modi for a formal dinner.
On Thursday, the two leaders are set to visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s official Holocaust memorial. They will then meet again with their delegations. Officials expect them to sign several agreements covering economic, security, and diplomatic cooperation. These deals aim to further deepen ties between India and Israel.
Overall, the visit underlines the growing partnership between the two nations and the strong rapport between their leaders.