India–Israel Ties Enter New Era as Modi and Netanyahu Seal ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ with 17 Agreements

India and Israel have formally advanced their bilateral engagement to what both sides are calling a “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity,” marking a significant upgrade in relations following wide-ranging discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

The announcement capped what Netanyahu described as a deeply meaningful and highly productive visit.

While brief, the engagement yielded substantial outcomes, reflecting an intensification of cooperation across technology, defence, trade, and regional diplomacy.

From Strategic to Special Strategic

The two nations had earlier characterised their relationship as a Strategic Partnership in 2017, during Modi’s first standalone visit to Israel.

This latest elevation signals a broader, more structured framework for collaboration.

Speaking before departing, Modi underscored that the relationship rests on confidence, democratic principles, and shared human values.

He described the decision to elevate ties as a reflection of the ambitions of citizens in both countries.

Netanyahu, in turn, praised the convergence of perspectives between the two leaders, noting that the strengthened government-to-government engagement would unlock even greater mutual gains.

Technology at the Core

A defining feature of the talks was the emphasis on innovation-driven cooperation.

The two sides agreed to launch a partnership focused on critical and emerging technologies, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum research, cybersecurity, and access to essential minerals.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri later indicated that cutting-edge fields — from AI to startup ecosystems — formed the backbone of the discussions.

In total, 27 outcomes emerged from the visit, including 17 formal agreements. Among them were memorandums on artificial intelligence collaboration, the establishment of an Indo-Israel Cyber Centre of Excellence in India, and the elevation of their joint science and technology commission to ministerial rank.

National Security Advisors from both countries will guide collaboration in sensitive technology domains.

Additional initiatives include a financial dialogue mechanism, a technology gateway platform, expanded agricultural research fellowships, increased funding for joint research projects, and a manpower framework allowing up to 50,000 Indian workers to be employed in Israel over five years.

Academic and parliamentary exchange forums were also instituted.

Firm Stand Against Terrorism

The joint declaration issued after the talks contained an unequivocal denunciation of terrorism in every form, including cross-border violence.

The leaders condemned major recent attacks, including the October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, the April 22, 202,5 attack on Indian tourists in Pahalgam, and the November 10, 20,25 terror incident near Delhi’s Red Fort.

Both governments reaffirmed their resolve, as democratic nations, to combat extremist threats through coordinated international action.

Defence and Security Roadmap

Defence collaboration, already a long-standing pillar of bilateral engagement, was reinforced with a forward-looking roadmap.

Modi highlighted the intention to expand beyond procurement into co-development, joint manufacturing, and technology transfer.

The joint statement acknowledged substantial growth in the breadth and depth of defence cooperation, setting out a structured plan for future expansion.

Regional Stability and Diplomacy

Against the backdrop of heightened tensions in West Asia — including speculation over potential US military action against Iran if diplomatic negotiations falter — Modi emphasised India’s preference for dialogue and peaceful settlement.

He reiterated that India’s strategic interests are closely linked to stability in the region.

India, he said, supports diplomatic engagement and stands prepared to assist efforts that promote de-escalation.

The two leaders also welcomed US President Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Plan aimed at ending the Gaza conflict, expressing commitment to global peace initiatives.

Connectivity and Economic Integration

Both sides agreed to reinvigorate regional connectivity projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and the India-Israel-UAE-USA (I2U2) grouping.

On the economic front, Modi noted that a Bilateral Investment Agreement signed last year has strengthened investment flows, and that negotiations on a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement are progressing.

An agreement enabling the use of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Israel was welcomed as a step toward deeper digital integration.

Cooperation in digital healthcare, civil nuclear energy, and space exploration was also identified as a priority area.

Agriculture and Rural Transformation

Agricultural collaboration — long a hallmark of India-Israel ties — is set to expand significantly.

Building on the success of existing Centres of Excellence in India, the two governments aim to increase their number to 100 and broaden the concept into “Villages of Excellence,” extending Israeli agricultural expertise to rural communities.

A new India-Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture will anchor this next phase of cooperation, focusing on advanced farming technologies and productivity enhancement.

People-to-People Links

Modi highlighted the contribution of Indian professionals to Israel’s construction and caregiving sectors under the 2023 mobility agreement. This framework is now being extended to additional fields, including commerce and services.

To strengthen intellectual and youth engagement, the leaders launched the India-Israel Academic Forum, designed to connect students, researchers, and innovators.

A Broader Vision

The visit concluded with both leaders projecting a shared commitment to peace, technological advancement, economic progress, and resilient democratic values.

With cooperation spanning security, innovation, agriculture, and regional diplomacy, the newly minted Special Strategic Partnership signals a deeper institutional alignment between New Delhi and Jerusalem.

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