Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again emphasised the strengthening relationship between India and Israel, describing India as one of the most supportive countries for Israel at a time when the latter continues to face criticism and diplomatic challenges in various parts of the world. Speaking at a conference in the West Bank on Thursday, Netanyahu said that India occupies a special place in Israel's international engagement strategy and that the level of public goodwill toward Israel among Indians is exceptional.
Addressing the audience, Netanyahu remarked that while Israel encounters efforts at delegitimisation in many countries, India stands out as a notable exception. He stated that public support for Israel in India is remarkably strong and suggested that the country represents one of Israel’s most welcoming international audiences. Referring to his social media following, Netanyahu even joked that he believes he has more followers from India than from any other nation, underscoring what he sees as the unusually warm sentiment toward Israel among many Indians.
His comments come several months after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a major state visit to Israel in February. The visit was widely viewed as another milestone in the steadily deepening partnership between the two countries and further strengthened a relationship that has expanded significantly over the past decade.
During Modi's visit to Jerusalem on February 26, both leaders announced the elevation of bilateral relations to what they termed a “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity.” The designation reflected a shared commitment to broadening cooperation across a wide range of sectors and signalled an intention to further institutionalise collaboration between the two nations.
According to the joint statement released following their discussions, India and Israel agreed to intensify cooperation in defence, trade, technology, cybersecurity, agriculture, energy, artificial intelligence, and several other strategic areas. Both governments also expressed interest in expanding collaboration in emerging technologies such as semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, fintech, and digital healthcare.
The two leaders additionally stressed the importance of strengthening economic ties and encouraged efforts to conclude a proposed free trade agreement at the earliest opportunity. They highlighted the growing role of private-sector investment, innovation partnerships, and business cooperation in shaping the future of bilateral relations.
Regional security issues also featured prominently in the discussions. Modi reiterated India's support for efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the Middle East and expressed backing for initiatives designed to address the ongoing situation in Gaza. The conversations reflected the increasing willingness of both countries to engage not only on bilateral matters but also on broader regional and global challenges.
The close relationship between Modi and Netanyahu has often been cited as one of the key drivers behind the rapid expansion of India-Israel ties. Political observers frequently describe their partnership as one of the strongest personal relationships between Indian and Israeli leaders since full diplomatic relations were established in 1992.
The foundations of the current partnership were significantly strengthened during Modi’s landmark visit to Israel in 2017. That trip was historic because Modi became the first Indian prime minister ever to visit Israel. The visit was widely interpreted as a major shift in Indian foreign policy, demonstrating New Delhi’s willingness to openly deepen engagement with Israel without the hesitation that had characterised earlier decades.
Since then, cooperation between the two countries has expanded rapidly. Israel has become one of India’s most important defence partners, supplying a wide range of military technologies, surveillance systems, missile defence equipment, and other strategic capabilities. Defence collaboration remains one of the most significant pillars of the bilateral relationship.
Beyond security matters, economic and technological cooperation has also grown substantially. India is now among Israel’s largest trading partners in Asia, and both countries continue to work together in fields ranging from water management and agricultural innovation to cybersecurity and advanced technology development.
The partnership has also expanded into broader multilateral initiatives. Both nations are participants in the I2U2 framework alongside the United States and the United Arab Emirates, which focuses on economic cooperation, infrastructure development, technology, and regional connectivity. India and Israel are also involved in discussions related to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, a project aimed at enhancing trade and transportation links between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Netanyahu’s latest remarks therefore reflect not only his personal appreciation for India’s support but also the broader transformation of India-Israel relations over the past three decades. What began as a relatively limited diplomatic relationship has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing defence, technology, trade, innovation, and geopolitical cooperation.
His comments also highlight the growing importance both countries attach to one another in an increasingly complex international environment. As regional and global challenges continue to evolve, India and Israel appear committed to further deepening their partnership, building on a foundation of shared interests, expanding economic ties, and increasing strategic collaboration across multiple sectors.
