India and Israel have upgraded their long-standing relationship to a “special strategic partnership,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced after bilateral talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. The two sides also unveiled a new National Security Adviser–led partnership in critical and emerging technologies and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defence cooperation.
A total of 16 MoUs and agreements were signed, and both countries pledged to expedite negotiations on a mutually beneficial free trade agreement (FTA) currently under discussion.
Echoing themes from his earlier address to the Knesset, Modi strongly condemned terrorism, asserting that it has no place in the world. Backing the Gaza Peace Plan, he emphasised that “humanity must never become a victim of conflict” and underlined that peace and stability in West Asia are directly linked to India’s security interests.
“From the very beginning, we have supported dialogue and peaceful resolution of issues. This is the call of the Global South and of humanity as a whole,” Modi said after the meeting. He added that the Gaza Peace Plan had opened a pathway to peace and that India would continue to engage in dialogue and cooperation with all countries.
In a joint statement, the leaders welcomed Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. They discussed regional developments, including the peace process, and stressed the need for a just and lasting peace, as well as security and freedom of navigation and trade in the region through dialogue and mutual understanding.
The two leaders also reviewed regional tensions, including US-Iran relations, with Modi reiterating India’s firm belief in dialogue and peaceful solutions. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the Prime Minister conveyed India’s readiness to offer support, if required, toward advancing peace efforts.
The meeting produced more than 20 outcomes, including agreements spanning artificial intelligence, education, culture, labour mobility, horizon scanning and geophysical exploration for sustainable resource development. The leaders outlined a roadmap to strengthen “trusted cooperation” in defence, with Modi highlighting plans for joint development, joint production and technology transfer.
“Technology lies at the heart of the India-Israel future partnership,” Modi said, announcing the launch of a Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership to boost cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and critical minerals. The joint statement noted that the initiative would leverage the complementary strengths of both nations in niche technologies to build a forward-looking partnership.
To enhance regional connectivity, both sides agreed to inject renewed momentum into the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the I2U2 framework.
On counterterrorism, Modi said India and Israel are unequivocal that terrorism cannot be accepted in any form. “We have stood shoulder to shoulder in opposing terrorism and those who support it, and we will continue to do so,” he said.
The joint statement condemned cross-border terrorism, including the Pahalgam attack, the Red Fort terror incident, and the October 7, 2023 Hamas strikes. The leaders called for decisive and sustained international efforts to combat terrorism and reaffirmed their shared resolve as leaders of two vibrant democracies.
The two sides also agreed to expand cooperation in agriculture. Modi noted that Centres of Excellence established in India with Israeli collaboration have become “outstanding examples” of bilateral friendship, adding that the target is to increase their number to 100.
