JERUSALEM, Feb 26 : In a visit marked by symbolism, strategy, and sweeping ambition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday elevated bilateral ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership,” signalling a new chapter in relations between India and Israel.
Speaking at a joint press meet after delegation-level talks and the exchange of key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), Modi described his return visit as both “a moment of pride and deep emotion.”
“Nine years ago, I had the privilege of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel. Setting foot once again on the historic land of Israel is a moment of pride and deep emotion for me,” he said, thanking Netanyahu for the warm welcome extended to him and the Indian delegation.
Modi recalled his earlier landmark visit that reset the trajectory of India-Israel relations. Since the establishment of full diplomatic ties in 1992, cooperation has steadily expanded across defence, agriculture, science and technology, and water management. In recent years, both countries have deepened engagement in high-technology sectors and strategic initiatives.
“Today, we have taken a historic decision to elevate our time-tested partnership to the level of a ‘Special Strategic Partnership.’ This decision reflects the aspirations of the people of both countries,” Modi said.
The two leaders reviewed progress made under the existing strategic framework and discussed new opportunities in science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.
A major highlight of the visit was the decision to establish a Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership, aimed at accelerating collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and critical minerals.
“Technology is at the heart of our future partnership,” Modi said. “This will provide fresh momentum to cooperation in areas such as AI, Quantum technologies, and Critical Minerals.”
The Prime Minister also welcomed an agreement to enable the use of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Israel, calling it a step that would strengthen digital connectivity between the two economies. Cooperation in digital health was also identified as a priority area.
On the economic front, Modi noted that a Bilateral Investment Agreement concluded last year had laid the groundwork for enhanced mutual investments, and that a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement would soon be finalised.
“Our economic partnership has become an engine of growth, innovation, and shared prosperity,” he said.
Defence cooperation, long a cornerstone of India-Israel ties, received renewed emphasis. Modi referred to decades of reliable collaboration and said a recent MoU would add “new dimensions” through joint development, joint production, and transfer of technology.
The two sides also agreed to expand cooperation in civil nuclear energy and space, broadening the strategic scope of the partnership.
Agriculture, historically one of the most visible areas of cooperation, featured prominently in the talks. Dozens of Centres of Excellence established in India with Israeli assistance have introduced advanced irrigation and crop management techniques.
“Encouraged by their success, we have set a target of increasing their number to 100,” Modi said.
The leaders also discussed the creation of “Villages of Excellence,” aimed at taking Israeli agricultural technologies directly to Indian villages and enhancing productivity and farmers’ incomes. An India-Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture is to be established to anchor future-ready farming solutions.
People-to-people connections, Modi said, remain a vital pillar of bilateral ties. He pointed to the 2023 Manpower Mobility Agreement, under which Indian workers have contributed to Israel’s construction and caregiving sectors.
“Indian workers have earned trust through their hard work, dedication, and skills,” he noted, adding that cooperation would be expanded to commerce and services.
The establishment of an India-Israel Academic Forum was announced to connect youth, researchers, and innovators from both countries.
Beyond bilateral matters, the two leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments. They pledged to advance regional connectivity initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 grouping comprising India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States.
On security, Modi delivered an unequivocal message. “There is no place for terrorism in the world. Terrorism, in any form or manifestation, cannot be accepted,” he said. “We have stood shoulder to shoulder in opposing terrorism and its supporters, and we will continue to do so.”
Addressing the situation in West Asia, Modi reiterated India’s long-standing position in favour of dialogue and peaceful resolution. “Humanity must never become a victim of conflict,” he said, welcoming the Gaza Peace Plan as a pathway to peace and affirming India’s support for efforts to restore stability.
During the visit, Modi addressed Israel’s Parliament and was honoured with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, which he dedicated to “1.4 billion Indians and to the friendship between India and Israel.”
Closing his remarks with the Hebrew phrase “Todah Rabbah” (Thank you very much), Modi said the warmth and hospitality extended to him had made the visit “truly memorable.”
As both leaders seek to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, the elevation of ties to a Special Strategic Partnership signals not only continuity but a shared intent to shape a future-oriented alliance, one rooted in trust, technology, and common security interests.
(UNI)
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