Jaishankar in Israel for high-level talks; strengthens strategic partnership, FTA, defence ties.

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Israel for a two-day visit to discuss bilateral and regional issues with top leadership.
• The visit precedes Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's proposed trip to India, following a recent phone call with PM Narendra Modi.
• Jaishankar is scheduled to meet President Isaac Herzog, PM Netanyahu, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to deepen the strategic partnership.
• Recent high-level exchanges include visits by Israeli ministers, signing of a Bilateral Investment Treaty, and Terms of Reference for a Free Trade Agreement.
• Cooperation is expanding in defence (co-development, co-production), cultural, and academic spheres, including an India Chair at Tel Aviv University.

Why It Matters: Jaishankar's Israel visit boosts strategic ties, paving way for deeper economic, defence, and cultural cooperation.