India, Israel elevate ties to ‘Special Strategic Partnership’
New Delhi, Feb 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced a sweeping upgrade of India-Israel relations to a “Special Strategic Partnership” after talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, stressing zero tolerance for terrorism and full support for the Gaza Peace Plan.
Addressing a joint press statement, Prime Minister Modi said, “Today, we took the historic decision to elevate our time-tested partnership to ‘Special Strategic Partnership.’ This decision reflects the aspirations of the people of both countries.”
Recalling his earlier visit, he said, “Nine years ago, I had the privilege of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel. It is a moment of pride and emotion for me to set foot on the historic land of Israel once again.”
The Prime Minister also referred to his address to the Knesset, where he was conferred the Speaker’s Medal. “I was honoured with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal… And I dedicate this to 1.4 billion Indians and the India-Israel friendship,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi underlined that economic cooperation remains “an engine of growth, innovation, and shared prosperity.” He noted that the two countries signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement last year and added, “We will also soon finalize a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement.”
Highlighting technology as central to future cooperation, he announced, “Today, we decided to establish a Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership. This will give new impetus to cooperation in areas such as AI, Quantum, and Critical Minerals.”
He also confirmed digital integration efforts, saying, “I am pleased that an agreement has been reached for the use of UPI in Israel.” Both sides, he added, are committed to improving lives through cooperation in digital health.
Defence, Nuclear and Space Cooperation
Emphasising longstanding defence ties, the Prime Minister said, “We have decades-old and trusted cooperation in the defence sector. The MOU signed last year will add new dimensions to this. Together, we will move forward towards joint development, joint production, and transfer of technology.” He further stated, “We will also advance cooperation in areas such as civil nuclear energy and space.”
Prime Minister Modi described agricultural cooperation as a key pillar of the partnership. “The Centres of Excellence established in India with Israeli cooperation are excellent examples of our friendship,” he said, announcing a target to increase their number to 100.
Taking the initiative further, he said, “We are working on creating Villages of Excellence. This will bring Israeli technology to every village in India, significantly increasing the income and productivity of millions of farmers.” He also announced the establishment of the “India-Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture” to develop future-ready farming solutions.
Calling people-to-people ties an important pillar of relations, the Prime Minister referred to the 2023 Manpower Mobility Agreement. “Indian workers have earned trust through their hard work, commitment, and skills,” he said, adding that cooperation is now being expanded to commerce and services. To strengthen academic and research collaboration, he announced, “Today we are establishing the India-Israel Academic Forum.”
On regional initiatives, Prime Minister Modi said both leaders held “a comprehensive discussion on regional and global issues.” He added, “Promoting regional connectivity, we will move forward with renewed momentum on the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor ‘I-MAKE’ and the India Israel UAE USA (I-2-U-2) Corridor.”
Strong message on terrorism, support for Gaza Peace Plan
Delivering a firm message on security, the Prime Minister declared, “Terrorism has no place in the world. Terrorism, in any form, in any manifestation, cannot be tolerated.” He added, “We have stood shoulder to shoulder against terrorism and its supporters, and will continue to do so.”
Linking India’s interests to regional stability, he said, “India’s security interests are directly linked to peace and stability in West Asia. Therefore, we have supported dialogue and a peaceful solution from the very beginning. This is the call of the Global South and all humanity.”
Backing ongoing diplomatic efforts, Prime Minister Modi stated, “Humanity must never become a victim of conflict. The Gaza Peace Plan has opened a path to peace. India has fully supported these efforts. We will continue dialogue and cooperation with all countries in the future.”
Concluding his remarks, he thanked Prime Minister Netanyahu and the people of Israel for their hospitality, saying, “I once again express my heartfelt gratitude for the love, affection, and respect I have received from you and the people of Israel.”
Outcomes of PM Modi’s visit to Israel
Key agreements
MoUs covered geophysical exploration; development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal; a Cultural Exchange Programme (2026–29); UPI-based cross-border payments; and the India–Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture.
Agreements were also signed on horizon scanning and strategic foresight; fisheries and aquaculture; financial services regulation; AI-enabled education; arbitration cooperation; university exchanges; an Indo-Israel Cyber Centre of Excellence; and broader cooperation in Artificial Intelligence.
Three implementation protocols were concluded on labour mobility in commerce and services, manufacturing, and the restaurant sector. The 4th India–Israel CEO Forum Report was presented.
Major announcements
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Elevation of ties to a Special Strategic Partnership
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Science & Technology JCM raised to Ministerial level
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NSA-led initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies
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Financial Dialogue and Tech-Gateway Initiative
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20 joint agricultural research fellowships and enhanced research funding
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Quota of up to 50,000 Indian workers over five years
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Academic Cooperation Forum and Parliamentary Friendship Group
17 agreements and announced major upgrades to their partnership.The outcomes signal a broad deepening of strategic, technological and economic cooperation.
