India and Israel are set to deepen their defence ties as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu meet over a formal bilateral discussion in Tel Aviv on Thursday.The two sides are slated to sign a framework agreement on defence cooperation that will allow companies from both sides to collaborate at a deeper level. Sources said no major defence procurement deal was expected to be signed during the two-day visit. However, defence and security cooperation would be a key focus area.India could also look to resolve issues of intellectual property rights hindering co-production and co-development of sensitive military technology.Modi’s two-day visit to Israel kicked off today. He was received at the airport in Tel Aviv by Netanyahu and his spouse Sara, and accorded a ceremonial welcome.Following the arrival ceremony, the two Prime Ministers held a brief one-on-one meeting. “This is a bond of real friendship,” said Netanyahu as he shook hands with Modi.The two sides are looking at deepening defence ties. Already, several Israeli companies are part of “make in India” programmes for drones, missiles and air defence. The aim is co-development and co-production, with Israeli companies providing the technical knowhow.Modi and Netanyahu will take forward the memorandum of understanding signed in November last year to expand the scope of bilateral defence ties between the two nations. This could mean that “make in India” would be a part of Israeli companies’ global supplies.Among the expected discussion is Israel helping India modify a commercial plane to be mid-air refueller for jets and planes of the IAF and the Navy.The two sides are expected to discuss Israel’s multi-layered missile defence system that includes the Arrow missile and the Iron Dome system — that offers layered air defence.Currently, India has been using the Russian S-400 anti-aerial threat system, systems based on Akash and Barak, and QRSAM systems.Among drones, Elbit Hermes 900 drones are already being made in India while New Delhi is keen on having more SPICE-guided ammunition.India is Israel’s largest defence purchaser for years, including 34 per cent of the total sales from 2020-2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.Earlier at the hotel, Prime Minister Modi was accorded a warm welcome by members of the Indian community and representatives of the Jewish-Indian diaspora. The reception was marked by vibrant cultural performances by Indian and Israeli artistes, symbolising the enduring friendship between the two nations.A light-hearted moment between PM Modi and Netanyahu stole the spotlight. Soon after Air India One touched down at Ben Gurion Airport, Modi was greeted on the tarmac by Netanyahu. During their exchange, Netanyahu pointed toward his wife Sara and remarked to Modi, “See what she is wearing?”The comment referred to Sara’s orange outfit that closely matched the saffron pocket square worn by the Indian PM.