Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tel Aviv on February 25, 2026, beginning a two-day State Visit to Israel marked by both diplomatic warmth and political debate back home. Upon landing, he was greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and accorded a ceremonial red carpet welcome, underscoring the importance Israel attaches to the visit.
This is Modi’s second trip to Israel, following his landmark 2017 visit that reshaped bilateral engagement. Shortly after arriving, he held discussions with Netanyahu at the airport before proceeding to address Israel’s parliament, the Knesset. With this engagement, Modi becomes the first Indian Prime Minister to speak before the Israeli legislature, a move seen as symbolizing the growing depth of ties between the two democracies.
During his stay, Modi is also scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and interact with members of the Indian diaspora. The visit is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in strategic sectors and reinforcing diplomatic coordination amid evolving regional dynamics.
However, the trip has triggered political reactions in India. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) issued a statement sharply criticizing the visit, describing it as an endorsement of Israel’s current leadership and accusing the government of sidelining the Palestinian cause. The party argued that expanding military and strategic ties at this juncture sends the wrong diplomatic signal.
Congress leaders also voiced reservations. Member of Parliament Tariq Anwar urged the Prime Minister to raise concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during his discussions. Another Congress leader, Shama Mohamed, questioned the timing of the visit, suggesting that internal political tensions within Israel make the trip diplomatically sensitive.
Additionally, members of Parliament’s Standing Committee on External Affairs raised concerns during a meeting reviewing the Ministry of External Affairs’ budget allocations. The committee, chaired by Shashi Tharoor, reportedly discussed whether the visit was appropriately timed, particularly as India has advised its citizens to leave Iran due to fears of potential regional escalation involving the United States. Some lawmakers noted that Israel could also become entangled in broader geopolitical tensions.
Despite domestic criticism, Israeli officials publicly expressed enthusiasm about hosting the Indian leader, calling the visit significant for advancing bilateral cooperation. As events unfold, the trip highlights both the strategic importance of India-Israel relations and the complex geopolitical environment shaping diplomatic decisions.
