In Shorts
- India and Israel upgrade ties to Special Strategic Partnership
- 17 agreements signed across trade, AI, education and defence
- Free Trade Agreement negotiations to be fast tracked
India and Israel have taken a major step in strengthening their diplomatic and economic relationship by elevating their bilateral ties to a Special Strategic Partnership. The announcement was made after high level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu during the Indian leader’s two day visit to Jerusalem.
The two countries also agreed to accelerate discussions surrounding a long awaited Free Trade Agreement which is expected to significantly enhance trade and investment between both economies. Officials from both sides indicated that the proposed agreement would provide improved market access and create new opportunities for businesses in key sectors including manufacturing and technology.
Following the meeting, India and Israel signed 17 agreements and memorandums of understanding spanning diverse sectors such as artificial intelligence, agriculture, maritime heritage, education, culture, trade and investment. These agreements are aimed at expanding cooperation and fostering innovation driven growth between the two nations.
Defence collaboration also featured prominently in the discussions, with both countries expressing their commitment to joint development and production of advanced military hardware through technology transfer frameworks. Leaders from both sides reiterated their shared resolve to combat terrorism and deepen strategic cooperation in security related domains.
During the joint press interaction, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that India’s security interests are closely linked to peace and stability in the Middle East region. He reaffirmed India’s support for dialogue and peaceful solutions to ongoing conflicts, including the situation in Gaza.
India Israel relations were earlier upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2017. The latest move to a Special Strategic Partnership reflects growing trust and shared democratic values, and is expected to open a new chapter in bilateral engagement across economic, technological and defence sectors.
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