Modi said, “We will soon sign a free trade agreement, it is a matter of pride for me to visit Israel.”

Today is the last day of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Israel. On the second day of his visit, Modi first visited Jerusalem’s Holocaust Memorial, Yad Vashem, where he paid tribute to the 6 million Jews killed during Hitler’s Nazi regime.

He then met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Isaac stated that India’s economy has grown rapidly, attracting global attention. PM Modi also invited the Israeli President to visit India.

PM Modi and Israeli PM Netanyahu then held a joint press conference after the bilateral meeting. It was announced that India’s UPI payment system will now be implemented in Israel. PM Modi stated that India will soon sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with Israel.

Modi arrived in Israel on Wednesday. Netanyahu and his wife Sara received Modi at the airport. PM Modi then addressed the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset. He was awarded the Parliament’s highest honor, the Speaker of the Knesset Medal. Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset.

Photos from Modi’s Israel visit…

7 key points from PM Modi’s address…

1. On the welcome in Israel – Modi thanked Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and the people of Israel for the warm welcome. He dedicated the honor received from the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) to 1.4 billion Indians and the India-Israel friendship.
2. India-Israel relations will strengthen further – The relationship between the two countries is built on trust, democracy, and human values. Now, a decision has been made to elevate this relationship to a Strategic Partnership. This reflects the expectations of the people of both countries.
3. Cooperation in trade and technology – Both countries are working to increase trade and investment. Efforts will soon be made to conclude a free trade agreement. Collaboration will be undertaken in areas such as AI, quantum technology, and essential minerals. An agreement has been reached for the use of UPI in Israel.
4. Defense, Space, and Energy Cooperation – The two countries have a trusted collaboration in the defense sector, which will be further enhanced. Work will be conducted on joint development, production, and technology transfer. Partnerships will also expand in the civil nuclear energy and space sectors.
5. New Initiatives for Farmers and Villages – The two countries’ cooperation in agriculture has already been successful. The number of Centers of Excellence established in India with Israeli assistance will be increased to 100. “Villages of Excellence” will be established to disseminate new agricultural techniques to every village. This will increase farmers’ income and production.
6. Emphasis on Connecting People and Youth – Indian workers have earned trust in Israel through their hard work. Now, cooperation will be expanded to the commerce and service sectors. An India-Israel Academic Forum will be established to connect youth and researchers.
7. Partnership on Global Issues – The two countries discussed advancing projects such as the IMEC Corridor and the I2U2 Group. India and Israel have a clear message: terrorism has no place in the world. Peace in West Asia is also important for India, and therefore, India supports dialogue and a peaceful solution.

First Round of India-Israel FTA Negotiations Complete

The first round of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Israel has concluded. It began in New Delhi on February 23, 2026, and will continue until February 26, 2026.

In November 2025, the two countries signed the Terms of Reference, which determined the issues to be discussed and how the negotiations will proceed. Total goods trade between the two countries in the financial year 2024-25 was US$3.62 billion, or approximately ₹31,000 crore.

The two countries are mutually beneficial in many areas. This FTA will help increase trade between the two countries and provide greater confidence and stability to businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.During these talks, experts from both countries are discussing various issues, including trade in goods and services, rules of origin, health and plant regulations, technical barriers to trade, customs procedures, trade facilitation measures, and intellectual property rights.

Yad Vashem Memorial, built in memory of Jews killed during Hitler’s rule

Yad Vashem is dedicated to the millions of Jews killed during the Holocaust. Located in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, people from around the world visit annually to understand history and pay tribute.

During World War II, German dictator Adolf Hitler murdered approximately 6 million Jews. This genocide is known as the Holocaust. In 1953, the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, decided to build a special memorial to commemorate those killed in the Holocaust.

A modern museum was later opened in 2005 to help future generations understand this tragedy. The Yad Vashem complex includes the Holocaust Museum, the Hall of Names, the Children’s Memorial, and the Righteous Among the Nations Garden. Original documents, photographs, and personal stories of the victims are preserved here.

The name Yad Vashem means memory and name, meaning that the memory of those who were tried to be erased will always live on.

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