Nepal, Feb. 26 -- India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on Wednesday for a two-day visit aimed at deepening ties with a key trade and defence partner, a trip that has drawn criticism at home.

It is Modi's second visit to Israel as prime minister.

He is scheduled to meet his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.

"Our nations share a robust and multifaceted strategic partnership," Modi said in a statement before leaving New Delhi, adding that he will address the Knesset, Israel's parliament, later on Thursday.

"Ties have significantly strengthened in the last few years."

New Delhi has steadily expanded cooperation with Israel across the defence, agriculture, technology and cybersecurity sectors, wh...