Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport became the stage for a heartfelt farewell on Thursday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his landmark two-day visit to Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara bid an emotional goodbye to the Indian leader, embracing him warmly before he boarded his flight back home.
The departure scene captured the deepening bond between the two nations. Modi and Netanyahu shared a tight hug and engaging conversation, symbolizing the robust personal rapport that has propelled bilateral relations forward.
Earlier that day, the two leaders held high-level talks that elevated their partnership to a ‘Special Strategic Partnership.’ Discussions focused on infusing new momentum into cooperation across defense, technology, agriculture, and trade. They agreed to launch a ‘Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership’ to accelerate advancements in futuristic fields like AI, cybersecurity, and innovation.
PM Modi highlighted the outcomes on X, stating, ‘Today’s conversation with PM Netanyahu was highly productive. We’ve elevated our time-tested partnership to a Special Strategic Partnership – a historic decision reflecting the aspirations of our peoples.’ He emphasized boosting economic and trade ties, alongside expanding agricultural collaboration.
Agriculture emerged as a cornerstone of the talks. Modi announced plans to increase Centers of Excellence from the current number to 100, promising significant benefits for Indian farmers through Israeli expertise in drip irrigation, precision farming, and crop resilience.
Modi’s itinerary blended diplomacy with cultural engagement. He met the cast of the hit Israeli series ‘Fauda,’ sharing a light-hearted selfie with the caption, ‘Glad this meeting only needed one selfie – no undercover work required! Fauda.’
The day began with a meeting at President Isaac Herzog’s residence, where they planted a tree under the ‘One Tree in the Name of Mother’ initiative and explored synergies in education, startups, innovation, technology, and connectivity. Modi invited Herzog to visit India soon.
Prior to that, Modi visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem, honoring the six million Jewish victims. Accompanied by Netanyahu and Yad Vashem Chairman Danny Dayan, he toured the museum, viewed the ‘Book of Names’ memorializing 4.8 million victims, and signed the guest book in the Hall of Remembrance.
On Wednesday, Modi made history by addressing Israel’s Knesset, the first Indian PM to do so, underscoring shared values of democracy, innovation, and security in a world facing common challenges.
This visit marks a new chapter in India-Israel relations, built on mutual respect and strategic alignment, poised to yield tangible benefits for both populations in the years ahead.