A Journey Through Time: PM Modi's Historic Visits to Israel
Synopsis
Explore Prime Minister Narendra Modi's impactful visits to Israel, highlighting the evolution of India-Israel relations from his first trip in 2017 to the current discussions on agriculture and technology in 2026.
Key Takeaways
Historic Visits: PM Modi's engagements in Israel underscore a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
Focus on Agriculture: Both trips emphasized agricultural cooperation and technological advancements.
Per Drop More Crop: A key initiative that highlights water efficiency in farming.
Innovative Techniques: Israel's expertise in water management is crucial for India's agricultural future.
Long-term Collaboration: The visits have laid a foundation for ongoing government-to-government partnerships.
New Delhi, Feb 25 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Israel for a significant two-day state visit, where he will engage in extensive discussions with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, and deliver a historic address to the Knesset—the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister.
Upon arrival at the Tel Aviv airport, PM Modi was welcomed by Netanyahu, mirroring the reception during his previous trip in July 2017. The leaders are expected to collaborate on various fronts over the next two days, including Modi's address to the Knesset, a private dinner, a visit to the Holocaust museum, and an interaction with the Indian diaspora.
This visit is being referred to as historic, echoing the significance of Modi's 2017 trip, where he was accompanied by Netanyahu for the duration.
As we reflect on PM Modi’s journey to Israel, which started well before his tenure as Prime Minister, we note his initial engagement with Israel as Chief Minister of Gujarat.
In May 2006, then-CM Modi led a delegation to Agritech 2006, Israel's premier international agricultural technology exhibition. This delegation comprised fellow chief ministers and senior agricultural officials, all of whom examined Israeli advancements in agriculture and water management.
According to the Modi Archive, during this visit, Modi presented Gujarat’s agricultural vision at the Israel-India Business Forum under the motto “Per Drop More Crop,” receiving significant applause from attendees.
Coincidentally, this slogan later transformed into the guiding principle of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, India's national micro-irrigation initiative.
Fast forward to 2017, and PM Modi's visit marked the first bilateral journey of an Indian Prime Minister to Israel.
The agricultural theme prevalent in 2006 was also prominent in 2017, as highlighted by the Modi Archive.
The inaugural stop for PM Modi and Netanyahu during this visit was a flower farm, where a leading Israeli flower genetics company unveiled a newly developed white chrysanthemum named “MODI.”
Moreover, the 3-Year Work Programme in Agriculture established during this trip formalized initiatives that CM Modi had instigated back at Agritech-2006.
Additionally, the Netafim partnership he pioneered as Chief Minister transitioned into a government-to-government collaboration as Prime Minister.
During his address to the Indian community in Tel Aviv, PM Modi reiterated the importance of Israel's collaboration in agriculture, stating that it could significantly aid India in achieving its second green revolution.
The visit also yielded a memorable image: PM Modi and PM Netanyahu engaged in a demonstration of Israel's mobile water desalination technology.
The Modi Archive noted that both nations have tackled similar challenges from distinct perspectives. India possesses the scale, farmland, and necessity, while Israel has transformed constraints into innovative techniques, developing systems like drip irrigation, wastewater recycling, and desalination that are exportable and scalable.
“CM Modi recognized in 2006 that these were the exact techniques needed for Gujarat and India. Now, as Prime Minister returning in 2026, he is refocusing on these areas, emphasizing agriculture, water management, and food security as pivotal to enhancing ties between the two nations,” it concluded.
Point of View
It's clear that these engagements have laid a robust foundation for India-Israel relations, particularly in agriculture and technology. The focus on collaboration reflects a mutual commitment to addressing common challenges, which is vital for both nations' development.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of PM Modi's visit to Israel?
The purpose was to strengthen bilateral ties, discuss agriculture and technology cooperation, and deliver an address to the Knesset, marking a historic moment for India-Israel relations.
When did PM Modi first visit Israel?
PM Modi first visited Israel in July 2017, making history as the first Indian Prime Minister to do so.
What initiatives were discussed during the visits?
Key initiatives focused on agricultural collaboration, water management technologies, and enhancing food security between India and Israel.
What is the 'Per Drop More Crop' initiative?
This initiative, presented by Modi in 2006, aims to optimize water usage in agriculture and later became a guiding principle for India's national irrigation scheme.
How has Israel contributed to India's agricultural sector?
Israel has provided innovative techniques in farming and water management that can significantly aid India in achieving its agricultural goals.
