India and Israel have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to the level of a Special Strategic Partnership, marking a significant expansion of cooperation across economic, technological, and security domains. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that both countries are moving toward finalising a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to strengthen trade ties and open new avenues for economic collaboration. Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a joint press briefing, Modi said discussions focused on giving renewed direction and momentum to the long-standing partnership between the two nations.
Highlighting the foundation of the relationship, Modi emphasised that India–Israel ties are built on deep mutual trust and shared democratic values. He described the decision to upgrade relations as historic, reflecting the steady growth of cooperation over the years. The proposed Free Trade Agreement is expected to further enhance bilateral commerce by reducing trade barriers and encouraging investment flows between the two countries.
The leaders also outlined several new areas of cooperation, particularly in advanced and emerging technologies. Modi announced the establishment of a critical and emerging technology partnership aimed at strengthening collaboration in innovation-driven sectors. He welcomed the signing of an agreement allowing the use of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Israel, describing it as an important step toward deeper financial and digital integration. The two countries also agreed to expand cooperation in civil nuclear energy and space research, signalling a broadening of scientific and strategic collaboration.
Agriculture and rural development emerged as another key focus area during the talks. Modi said both sides would work together to develop future-ready farming solutions and create “villages of excellence,” combining Israeli technological expertise with India’s agricultural ecosystem to improve productivity and sustainability. These initiatives are intended to enhance food security and modernise agricultural practices through innovation and knowledge exchange.
On security matters, Modi reaffirmed that India and Israel share a strong and uncompromising stance against terrorism, stating that terrorism cannot be accepted in any form. Both nations agreed to continue strengthening cooperation to combat terrorism and its support networks. The leaders also discussed advancing broader regional initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 grouping, reflecting shared strategic interests in connectivity and economic integration.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the visit as a reflection of the deepening alignment between the two countries, referring to it as a “meeting of minds and hearts.” He announced plans to hold a government-to-government meeting in India at the earliest opportunity and expressed his intention to visit India with senior Israeli ministers to further expand engagement. Netanyahu highlighted growing collaboration in high-technology sectors, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing, alongside continued cooperation in diplomacy, security, and economic development.
The discussions also resulted in several agreements and memorandums of understanding covering areas such as geophysical exploration, fisheries and aquaculture cooperation, and support for the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal. Additionally, both sides issued a declaration of intent on horizon scanning, aimed at identifying future opportunities for collaboration. Collectively, the outcomes of the visit signal a deepening and broadening of India–Israel relations across multiple strategic sectors.
