Modi Visits Israel Amid Rising US-Iran Tensions

Israel – India – (Web Desk) – India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on Wednesday for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries. The visit comes amid growing concerns about a potential military conflict between the United States and Iran.

Modi, who first visited Israel in 2017, is the only Indian prime minister to have done so. Back then, he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both right-wing leaders, shared a famously informal moment walking barefoot on Haifa’s northern beach. Nearly nine years later, the two leaders, who describe each other as friends, are expected to discuss defence cooperation and artificial intelligence, while Israel looks to expand its military exports.

An Israeli official said the visit could “open doors for new partnerships across multiple sectors,” signaling a major step forward in bilateral relations. Modi is also expected to address Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, and pay tribute at Yad Vashem, the country’s official Holocaust memorial.

Modi is set to land in Israel tomorrow, as 12 F-22 jets touched down at an Israeli air base today while Trump’s deadline on Iran approaches zero.

Reports say Israel is offering India full technology transfer of the “Iron Dome” and “Iron Beam” systems, a laser-based drone… pic.twitter.com/ot4ObwncH9

— Beirut Wire (@beirutwire) February 25, 2026

The visit comes as the US has deployed a significant naval force near Iran, raising concerns about potential military strikes over Tehran’s nuclear program. A US aircraft carrier is also heading toward Israel’s coast. Any attack on Iran could prompt Iranian retaliation, potentially affecting Israel and US facilities in Gulf countries, home to millions of Indian workers sending remittances back home.

Experts say India is keen to avoid conflict in the region. Kabir Taneja from the Observer Research Foundation noted, “New Delhi has consistently communicated its concerns about regional tensions, and this visit is likely to continue that dialogue.”

The Israeli foreign ministry official said discussions with a “regional aspect” would likely take place during the visit.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting this week, Netanyahu described India as being part of a future “axis” of like-minded nations.

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“(Our) cooperation can yield great results and, of course, ensure our resilience and our future,” Netanyahu said.

Taneja said that, while India was interested in buying Israeli military equipment, New Delhi would hesitate at joining any formal alliance given its history of non-alignment in international affairs.