India and Israel on Thursday upgraded their long-standing relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership and committed to advancing negotiations on a mutually beneficial free trade agreement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second state visit to the country.
During his two day trip, Modi expressed strong backing for the Gaza peace initiative and stressed that humanity should never be allowed to suffer because of conflict. After delegation-level talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both sides signed a broad range of agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation across sectors such as trade, agriculture, energy, cybersecurity, and digital payments.
The prime minister also announced a new India-Israel collaboration focused on critical and emerging technologies, designed to deepen joint work in areas including artificial intelligence, quantum innovation, and critical minerals. “I am pleased that an agreement has been reached for the use of UPI in Israel,” Modi said at a joint press briefing.
The visit produced several key outcomes, including a renewed commitment to expand defence ties with an emphasis on joint development and production of military equipment under technology transfer arrangements.
In his statement, Modi highlighted that India’s security is closely linked to stability in the Middle East and reiterated support for the Gaza Peace Initiative. “India’s stance is clear: humanity must never become a victim of conflict. A path to peace has been created through the Gaza Peace Plan. India has fully supported these efforts,” he said, adding, “In the future as well, we will continue dialogue and cooperation with all countries.”
Arriving in Israel on Wednesday for his second visit in nine years, Modi emphasised that both nations share a firm position against terrorism. “Our relationship is founded on the strong bedrock of deep trust, shared democratic values, and human sensitivities. Our bond has stood the test of every trial of time,” he said. “Today, we have taken the historic decision to elevate our time-tested partnership to the status of a ‘Special Strategic Partnership’.”
He underscored that India and Israel remain united in confronting terrorism in all forms. “India and Israel are completely clear that there is no place for terrorism in the world. In any form, in any expression, terrorism cannot be accepted,” he stated, adding, “We have stood shoulder-to-shoulder in opposing terrorism and its supporters, and we will continue to do so.”
The two leaders also reviewed progress related to the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor and cooperation within the I2U2 grouping that brings together India, Israel, the UAE and the United States.
