Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two day visit to Israel this week drew worldwide attention even before he landed, as his aircraft became the most tracked flight globally on real time aviation platforms. The journey of Air India One the specially configured aircraft used for India’s top leadership was monitored by thousands of users simultaneously, highlighting the intersection of geopolitics, security protocols, and public curiosity.

The flight departed from Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi on the morning of February 25, 2026, for what is normally a six to seven hour direct journey to Israel. However, the route taken was far from routine. Instead of flying westward through Pakistan and Iran the shortest path the aircraft followed a longer corridor over Gujarat, crossed the Arabian Sea, entered Oman’s airspace, and then passed through Saudi Arabia and Jordan before landing at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport.

At one point, when the aircraft crossed from Saudi Arabia into Jordanian airspace, more than 9,000 users were tracking it live on the aviation platform https://www.flightradar24.com. Such numbers are typically seen during major emergencies, military developments, or rare aviation events, underscoring the extraordinary global focus on the trip.

The heightened attention stemmed from multiple factors. First was the diplomatic significance of the visit itself. This marks Modi’s second trip to Israel in nine years, following his landmark 2017 visit that elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. India and Israel have since deepened cooperation across defence, agriculture, cybersecurity, and technology.

Second was the security dimension. Avoiding the airspace of certain countries is standard practice for high level state visits, particularly when geopolitical tensions or security risks are elevated. The decision to bypass Pakistan and Iran reflects longstanding regional sensitivities and operational caution. Such rerouting also signals the importance attached to the Prime Minister’s safety and the strategic nature of the visit.

Air India One a modified Boeing 777 300ER functions as a flying command centre. It is equipped with advanced communication systems, defensive capabilities, and the ability to operate securely during crises. These features make the aircraft not merely a transport vehicle but an extension of national command infrastructure during overseas travel.

The visit itself carries substantial strategic weight. Modi is scheduled to hold a private meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, address Israel’s parliament, and interact with the Indian diaspora. Israeli leadership publicly acknowledged the visit as “historic,” reflecting the political symbolism attached to India’s engagement with the region.

Reports suggest that defence cooperation will be a key agenda item, including discussions on drones and anti ballistic missile systems. Israel is already one of India’s top defence suppliers, and deeper collaboration could reshape procurement strategies and domestic manufacturing partnerships. While no agreements have been formally announced, the anticipation of defence deals likely contributed to global interest in the trip.

The attention from Israeli media further amplified the buzz. Prominent publications highlighted the visit prominently, framing it as a major diplomatic event. For Israel, India represents not only a large strategic partner but also a rapidly growing economic and technological collaborator.

From a geopolitical perspective, the routing also carried symbolic undertones. Passing through Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan reflects the evolving diplomatic landscape in West Asia, where relations between Arab states and Israel have shifted in recent years. India’s ability to navigate this corridor underscores its balanced foreign policy approach in the region.