New Delhi, 23 February (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India deeply values its enduring friendship with Israel, ahead of his two-day visit to the country beginning February 25.

Responding to remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi said the relationship between the two countries is built on mutual trust, innovation and a shared commitment to peace and progress. In a post on X, he expressed appreciation for the multi-dimensional nature of bilateral ties and said he was looking forward to discussions during the visit.

“India deeply values the strong and enduring friendship with Israel — a friendship based on mutual trust, innovation and a shared commitment to peace and progress. Looking forward to our discussions and our meeting during my upcoming Israel visit,” the Prime Minister said.

Netanyahu described Modi as a “dear friend” and termed the upcoming visit historic. He said the partnership between India and Israel continues to expand across sectors including innovation, security and regional cooperation.

In remarks shared on social media following a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu highlighted what he described as a strong alliance between the two countries and referred to a broader vision of cooperation among nations in the Middle East focused on stability and progress.

India and Israel maintain cooperation in areas such as defence, agriculture, technology and water management, with both sides regularly engaging at the highest political levels. The upcoming visit is expected to include discussions on strategic and economic collaboration.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar