Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to depart from Delhi's Palam Air Force Station at approximately 9:00 AM today for a two-day official visit to Israel. This marks the Prime Minister's second visit to the nation, following his historic 2017 trip. According to official sources, the visit aims to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries, while in a symbolic gesture, the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, has been illuminated with the colors of the Indian tricolor ahead of the Prime Minister's arrival. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will personally receive PM Modi at the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.
Official Schedule and Historic Address at the Knesset
The Prime Minister's aircraft is expected to land in Tel Aviv at 12:45 PM IST. Following the ceremonial reception, PM Modi will proceed to Jerusalem, where he's scheduled to arrive at 4:30 PM local time. A significant highlight of the visit is the Prime Minister's address to the Knesset, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to do so, while later in the evening, he will attend an innovation event focusing on Artificial Intelligence and technology. The first day will conclude with an official dinner hosted by Prime Minister Netanyahu and his spouse at the King David Hotel.
Understanding the Hexagon Alliance and IMEC Synergy
Prior to the visit, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the formation of the 'Hexagon' alliance, which includes India, Israel, Arab nations, African states, and Mediterranean countries like Greece and Cyprus. According to Israeli officials, this alliance is designed to create a unified system against extremism and terrorism. The structure of the Hexagon alliance closely aligns with the vision of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), focusing on regional connectivity and economic integration through a shared axis of nations with common security goals.
Focus on Defense, AI, and High-Tech Cooperation
The bilateral discussions are expected to focus heavily on defense, security, high-tech industries, and quantum computing. According to government officials, several key agreements in the defense sector are anticipated to be finalized. India and Israel have maintained a strong partnership in defense technology and intelligence sharing. This visit is expected to further expand this cooperation into emerging fields like AI and cyber security, facilitating greater collaboration between the tech ecosystems of both nations.
Geopolitical Implications for Pakistan and Turkey
The inclusion of India in the Hexagon alliance is viewed by diplomatic observers as a significant shift in regional power dynamics. This strategic grouping is seen as a counter-weight to the influence of nations like Pakistan and Turkey in the Middle East and beyond. Prime Minister Netanyahu described India as a "global power" and PM Modi as a "personal friend," emphasizing that the cooperation between these nations would ensure regional stability and a prosperous future. The alliance aims to bring together countries that agree on the challenges posed by radical elements.
Commemoration at Yad Vashem and Bilateral Agreements
On the second day of the visit, Prime Minister Modi will visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial to pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. This will be followed by extensive delegation-level talks between the two leaders. The discussions will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across multiple sectors, followed by a joint media statement. The Prime Minister is scheduled to depart for New Delhi at 2:00 PM local time on Thursday.