NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that his visit to Israel will further consolidate the bond between the two nations Ahead of his two-day visit, PM Modi said that he is looking forward to his discussion with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. “I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across domains,” the Prime Minister said.“India and Israel share a robust, multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years,” he added.PM Modi also said that his visit will consolidate the bond between the two nations and set new goals for strategic partnership.“I look forward to interacting with members of the Indian diaspora who have for long been nurturing India-Israel friendship,” PM Modi said.“I am confident my visit to Israel will further consolidate the bond between the two nations, set new goals for strategic partnership. India and Israel share a robust, multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years,” he added.What’s on the agenda This will be PM Modi’s second visit to Israel. In 2017, he became the first Indian prime minister to travel to the country, a trip that elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later visited India in January 2018.During the upcoming visit, Modi is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with Netanyahu. He will also meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. Netanyahu is expected to host a private dinner in his honour. The itinerary includes an innovation event in Jerusalem and a joint visit to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center.Defence and security focusDefence and security cooperation is likely to feature prominently in the discussions. Israel remains a major supplier of military platforms and weapon systems to India. Both sides are expected to review ongoing engagements and explore further collaboration. According to PTI, India — which is developing an indigenous air defence shield called ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ — may examine the possibility of incorporating certain elements from Israel’s Iron Dome system.Trade, technology and economic tiesEconomic engagement is also expected to be high on the agenda. During Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Israel in November, both sides signed the terms of reference for launching free trade agreement negotiations. In September, the two countries concluded a bilateral investment agreement aimed at expanding economic cooperation. The leaders are also expected to review progress in science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, trade, and people-to-people exchanges, the MEA said.Regional tensions and ‘hexagon’The leaders are expected to exchange views on regional and global developments, including the situation in Gaza and broader tensions in West Asia. Ahead of the visit, Netanyahu described the trip as “historic” and referred to Modi as a “dear friend.” He also outlined a broader diplomatic vision to build a “hexagon” of alliances involving India, Arab nations, African countries, and Mediterranean states, aimed at strengthening coordination among like-minded countries and countering radical axes in the region.