Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Israel in the middle of the year. It will be the first visit to Israel of an Indian Prime Minister since normalization of relations between the two countries in 1992. Israel is one of India’s major defence equipment suppliers and a reliable partner in its security links including intelligence. Commercial ties between the two countries extend to technology, solar energy and agriculture. Tel Aviv and Delhi would like to sign a Free Trade Agreement. President Reuven Rivlin of Israel visited India last November. During his visit steps were taken to make use of Israel’s skills in water management and agriculture.
Narendra Modi takes a positive attitude to India’s engagement with West Asia. He has been to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Qatar. These visits have undoubtedly strengthened bilateral ties. It is reported that Modi will not visit Palestine at the same time as the Israel trip. While India’s friendship with Palestine persists, it is necessary to put a few if what’s in the traditional relationship. That will be consistent with India’s growing ties with Israel. It shows India’s pragmatism as well. Defence equipment manufacturing plays a key role in Modi’s ‘Make in India’ project. The two countries should develop jointly a medium range surface to air missile which should be manufactured in India. Tourism is another crucial area of ties between the two countries which has great potential. Modi’s visit to Israel will be most welcome from all points of view.