India's Modi arrives in Israel as fears grow of US-Iran conflict
The Indian prime minister’s visit highlights growing cooperation on defense, AI, drones and regional trade, while signaling closer diplomatic coordination.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Israel on Wednesday for a visit expected to further entrench a fast-growing strategic partnership, as the two countries push to expand joint development of missile-defense systems, laser weapons and drones.
The visit coincides with ongoing US-Iran standoff and amid rising regional fears that the Trump administration could strike Iranian targets potentially with the help of Israel.
What happened: Modi, who was greeted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the airport upon arrival, is set to address the Knesset on Thursday, a first for an Indian prime minister.
Announcing Modi’s trip at a cabinet meeting Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the visit would deepen “economic, diplomatic and security cooperation,” including in high-tech fields such as AI and quantum technologies. He added that Israel is seeking to build “a kind of hexagon of alliances” in and around the Middle East, citing India, Greece and Cyprus among partners he said share common challenges and goals, “in contrast to the radical axes.”
