Indian Prime Minister Modi to visit Israel, new alliance being formed

(Patria) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel on Wednesday, his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu announced, saying the trip will help forge a new alliance to counter what he described as "radical" opponents, AFP reported.

"On Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive here. He will address the Knesset," Netanyahu said on Sunday at the opening of a cabinet meeting, referring to the Israeli parliament.

Netanyahu welcomed the growing ties between the two countries.

"The fabric of relations has become stronger, and (Modi) is coming here so we can further strengthen them," he said, mentioning cooperation in the economic, diplomatic, and security spheres.

Modi visited Israel as prime minister in 2017, before Netanyahu reciprocated the visit to India the following year.

Netanyahu said the Israeli-Indian axis would be part of a broader regional alliance to counter common "radical" opponents.

"In the vision I see before me, we will create a whole system, essentially a 'hexagon' of alliances around or within the Middle East," the Israeli leader said.

Modi said on Sunday evening that he was "looking forward" to the talks during his visit to Israel.

"India deeply values the enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to peace and progress," he said in a post on social media X.