PM Modi departs for Israel, to become first Indian PM to address Knesset | LIVE

Key Insight

Modi’s Knesset address underscores deepening India‑Israel ties & diplomatic protocol nuances

Key Facts

1. Modi departed for Israel on 23 March 2024 for a state visit.
2. He will be the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament (Knesset).
3. Israel’s opposition threatened to boycott the address unless Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit is invited as per protocol.
4. Bilateral trade between India and Israel reached approximately US$5.5 billion in FY 2023‑24, covering defence, agriculture and technology.
5. During the visit, five new MoUs covering defence cooperation, nuclear energy, water management, cyber security and start‑up collaboration are slated to be signed.

Background

India and Israel have moved from limited diplomatic engagement (formal relations established in 1992) to a strategic partnership encompassing defence, technology and trade. The controversy over inviting Israel’s Supreme Court President highlights the importance of diplomatic protocol and the interplay of executive and judicial symbols in foreign state visits, a topic relevant to Indian Polity and Governance.

UPSC Syllabus

• Prelims_GS — Constitution and Political System

Mains Angle

GS‑2: Evaluate the significance of Prime Minister Modi’s address to the Knesset in strengthening India‑Israel strategic ties and discuss how diplomatic protocol influences bilateral engagements.