New Delhi, Feb 24 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a two-day official visit to Israel starting Wednesday, a move that is poised to reaffirm the profound and enduring strategic alliance between the two nations, as highlighted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday.

PM Modi's trip, taking place on February 25-26, comes at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu. This marks Modi's second visit to Israel, following his landmark trip in 2017, which opened new pathways in sectors such as defense, agriculture, and water management.

During the visit, PM Modi will engage with Prime Minister Netanyahu to evaluate the considerable advancements in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and explore additional collaborative opportunities across diverse fields, including science and technology, innovation, defense, security, agriculture, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. They are also expected to share views on regional and global matters of shared concern, according to a statement from the MEA.

Additionally, PM Modi will pay a visit to Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel.

This visit is anticipated to strengthen the long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries, offering a chance to reassess shared challenges and realign efforts towards fulfilling their mutual vision for a resilient partnership between two thriving democracies, as per the MEA.

On Sunday, PM Modi expressed gratitude for Netanyahu's personal acknowledgment during a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, where the Israeli PM referred to Modi as a “dear friend” and hailed the upcoming visit as a significant milestone in their bilateral relations.

In response to a video shared by Netanyahu on X, PM Modi remarked, "Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu. I wholeheartedly agree with you regarding the bond between India and Israel and the diverse aspects of our bilateral relations. India treasures its enduring friendship with Israel, founded on trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to peace and progress. I look forward to our discussions during my imminent visit to Israel."

Netanyahu, in his remarks during the cabinet meeting, emphasized Modi’s visit as a historical occurrence, underscoring the strength of the India-Israel alliance.

He elaborated on a vision to establish a broader “axis of nations” in the Middle East—an alliance of like-minded countries united “against radical forces” and dedicated to promoting stability, security, and technological advancement.

Highlighting his personal connection with PM Modi, Netanyahu remarked on their frequent communications and visits, referring to the Indian leader not only as a partner but as a “personal friend.”

On Wednesday, PM Modi is scheduled to arrive, where he will address the Knesset and participate in an innovation event in Jerusalem, followed by a visit to Yad Vashem. Netanyahu noted the special collaboration expected in high-tech, AI, and quantum technologies, stating, "AI and quantum are not merely future prospects; they are present realities, and we aspire to be among the leading nations globally in these fields."