JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to wrap up his landmark state visit to Israel today, Thursday, February 26, 2026, with a high-profile itinerary that balances deep historical reflection with the finalization of massive strategic agreements. Following his historic address to the Knesset yesterday—where he became the first Indian leader to receive the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal”—the Prime Minister’s final hours in the country are expected to solidify a new era of “comprehensive strategic partnership.”
The day is scheduled to begin with a somber visit to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre. Prime Minister Modi will pay his respects to the victims of the Holocaust, a move seen as a significant gesture of solidarity with the Jewish people. This visit carries immense cultural weight, highlighting the shared values of resilience between India and Israel and acknowledging the centuries-old history of the Jewish diaspora in India.
Immediately following the memorial service, the Prime Minister’s schedule moves into high-level diplomatic and executive sessions:
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Meeting with President Herzog: PM Modi will hold talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to discuss bilateral relations and the evolving security dynamics in the Middle East.
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Delegation-Level Talks: Later this morning, the Prime Minister will engage in critical negotiations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These talks are the “business end” of the visit, focusing on a projected $8.6 billion defence package.
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Key Defence Acquisitions: High on the agenda is the procurement of Heron MK-2 drones and technology sharing for Israel’s Iron Dome system, which India aims to integrate into its “Sudarshan Chakra” air defence shield.
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Economic & Tech MoUs: Agreements across Artificial Intelligence, cyber security, and water management are also expected to be signed during a joint press statement this afternoon.
This final diplomatic push coincides with the conclusion of the first round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations in New Delhi today. The Prime Minister is also expected to meet with representatives of the Indian Jewish community in Israel—a group that serves as a vital living bridge between the two nations—before his scheduled departure for India later this evening. This visit is widely viewed as a pivotal moment that has moved India-Israel ties beyond traditional diplomacy into a robust, multi-dimensional alliance.
