Jerusalem/New Delhi, Feb 22 (NationPress) On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Israel on February 25 for a two-day official engagement, marking his second visit since his momentous trip in 2017.

During Israel's weekly Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu emphasized the significance of Modi's upcoming visit as a testament to the strong bonds established in recent years between Israel and India, highlighting the global influence of India.

“On Wednesday, my friend Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, will land in Israel. I envision us fostering a comprehensive alliance system across the Middle East – a coalition of nations that share a unified perspective on the challenges posed by radical forces,” said Netanyahu.

He underlined their personal friendship, noting frequent communication and mutual visits as a foundation for their diplomatic ties.

“We share a close friendship,” Netanyahu remarked, showcasing the warmth in the relations between the two nations.

Netanyahu articulated his aspirations for the visit, aiming to further strengthen a strategic framework that includes a proposed “hexagon of alliances” in the Middle East, aimed at collaborating on regional issues and countering extremism.

“Our alliance with the US is unique and historic – both at the state level and through my personal rapport with President Trump. This does not preclude us from seeking further alliances; rather, we are continually cultivating them,” he elaborated.

This visit is expected to enhance mutual cooperation in various fields, including economic partnerships, diplomatic ties, and security collaborations.

During Modi's stay from February 25-26, he is set to address the Knesset (Israel's Parliament), jointly visit Yad Vashem (the Holocaust memorial) with Netanyahu, and participate in a high-tech innovation event in Jerusalem, focusing on collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other cutting-edge technologies.

This diplomatic mission comes nearly nine years following Modi's landmark 2017 visit, which was the first by any Indian Prime Minister to Israel and significantly advanced ties in defense, agriculture, water management, and innovation.

Netanyahu’s reciprocal visit to India in 2018 further solidified this bilateral partnership.

Against the backdrop of ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Modi's visit signifies India's strategic adjustment and deepening alignment with Israel on counter-terrorism, defense procurement, and technology exchange.

Discussions during the visit are anticipated to address trade expansion, defense agreements, cybersecurity, and regional stability.

The announcement has garnered attention amidst Israel's political landscape, with some opposition leaders expressing procedural concerns regarding the Knesset address.

This visit is regarded as a means to strengthen the “powerful alliance” between the two democracies, with both nations eager to enhance cooperation in the face of shared threats and foster mutual development.