India, Israel elevate ties to ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ after Modi–Netanyahu talks in Jerusalem

Jerusalem, February 26. India and Israel on February 26 elevated their bilateral relationship to a new level, announcing a “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation & Prosperity” following wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

The announcement came at the conclusion of Modi’s two-day state visit to Israel, his first since his landmark 2017 trip that, along with Netanyahu’s 2018 visit to India, laid the foundation for a transformed bilateral partnership. Both leaders noted significant progress across emerging technologies, defence and security, agriculture, water management, health, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Strategic upgrade anchored in technology

Describing their nations as complementary innovation ecosystems, the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed a shared vision of peace, security and prosperity driven by technology and entrepreneurship, according to a joint statement issued following the talks. Israel’s strength in cutting-edge innovation and India’s scale in talent, manufacturing and digital infrastructure were highlighted as pillars of future cooperation.

The leaders agreed to deepen collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, defence platforms and space exploration. A new initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies, led by the two National Security Advisors, will guide focused cooperation in frontier sectors.

They also welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in AI, aimed at enhancing joint research, talent exchange and institutional linkages in the field.

Defence, cyber and space cooperation

Building on the defence cooperation MoU signed in November 2025, Modi and Netanyahu outlined a roadmap for expanding defence ties in both scope and scale. They reaffirmed strong counter-terror cooperation and unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border attacks. The leaders specifically condemned the October 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel and recent terror incidents in India.

In cybersecurity, the two sides agreed to develop a multi-year strategic programme and welcomed the establishment of an India-Israel Centre of Excellence in Cybersecurity in India. Cooperation will include joint research, capacity building, tabletop exercises and the integration of “Security by Design” principles.

The leaders also encouraged deeper engagement between the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Israel Space Agency, opening avenues for joint ventures and start-up collaboration in the space sector.

Boost to trade, investment and fintech

Economic engagement featured prominently in the discussions. Both Prime Ministers reiterated their commitment to advancing negotiations for a free trade agreement, following the signing of Terms of Reference and the launch of the first negotiating round.

They welcomed the India-Israel Bilateral Investment Agreement signed in September 2025, aimed at strengthening investor confidence and providing a transparent dispute resolution framework.

Recognising the importance of financial resilience, the leaders endorsed cooperation in financial cybersecurity and welcomed the launch of the India-Israel Financial Dialogue. They also agreed to explore linking India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Israel’s fast payment system. An MoU between NPCI International and MASAV was signed to examine cross-border payment connectivity.

The two leaders encouraged greater Indian participation in Israel’s infrastructure sector, including metro, rail, airport, desalination and wastewater projects. They also called for expanding direct air connectivity between Tel Aviv and major Indian cities.

Agriculture, water and sustainability

Agriculture and water cooperation – long a hallmark of bilateral ties – received renewed emphasis. The Prime Ministers reviewed the progress of 35 operational Centres of Excellence in agriculture across India, with eight more being jointly developed. Over one million Indian farmers have reportedly benefited from these centres.

An MoU was signed to establish the India-Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture (IINCA), aimed at advancing research, productivity and sustainability. The leaders also welcomed cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture and agreed to strengthen collaboration in water conservation, desalination and wastewater reuse, including river-cleaning initiatives.

Education, health and people-to-people ties

In education, the two countries agreed to establish the India-Israel Academic Cooperation Forum (I2I Forum), a university-led platform for structured dialogue and research collaboration. Agreements were also signed between Nalanda University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, as well as on advancing education through AI.

The leaders underscored the importance of ensuring the safety and legal rights of Indian workers in Israel and welcomed new implementation protocols expanding employment opportunities in commerce, services, manufacturing and restaurants. Up to 50,000 additional Indian workers are expected to arrive in Israel over the next five years.

In health, both sides agreed to convene the first Joint Working Group meeting in early 2026 and deepen cooperation in digital health and AI-driven innovation.

Regional connectivity and global vision

On regional issues, Modi and Netanyahu reiterated their commitment to global peace and security and welcomed US President Donald Trump’s “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict”. They discussed regional developments and underlined the importance of dialogue and durable peace.

The leaders also reaffirmed their support for transformative initiatives such as the I2U2 partnership and discussed advancing cooperation under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), highlighting Israel’s potential role in regional connectivity.

Wide range of agreements signed

The visit saw the signing of multiple agreements spanning AI, cybersecurity, education, agriculture, fisheries, geophysical exploration, maritime heritage, arbitration, financial regulation and cultural exchange for 2026-2029.

Reaffirming their commitment to sustained high-level engagement, Modi and Netanyahu said the upgraded partnership reflects the ambitions of two knowledge-driven democracies determined to shape a future defined by innovation, collaboration and shared prosperity.