JERUSALEM (26 February 2026) — India and Israel have formally elevated their bilateral relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership” following high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. During his two-day state visit, Prime Minister Modi underscored India’s clear stance on regional stability, asserting that humanity must never become a victim of conflict. The two nations committed to the swift conclusion of a mutually beneficial free trade agreement (FTA) and expanded their cooperation across defence, technology, and energy sectors.
Expansion of Strategic and Defence Cooperation
The elevation of ties marks a historic shift in the “time-tested” bond between the two nations. A central pillar of this new partnership is the commitment to joint development and production of military hardware. Under a revamped framework for the transfer of technology, India and Israel will move beyond a buyer-seller relationship towards co-innovation in defence systems.
Beyond traditional security, the two leaders announced the India-Israel Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership. This initiative is designed to drive collaborative research and industrial application in:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing
- Critical Minerals and Semiconductor Supply Chains
- Cybersecurity and Digital Infrastructure
Regional Stability and the Gaza Peace Initiative
In a significant diplomatic statement, Prime Minister Modi expressed New Delhi’s full support for the Gaza Peace Plan. He stated that India’s security interests are intrinsically linked to peace in the Middle East, noting that a “path to peace” has been created through recent diplomatic efforts.+1
The Prime Minister reiterated that India and Israel stand “shoulder-to-shoulder” against terrorism. As noted in his media statement, both nations maintained a united view that there is no place for terrorism in any form and vowed to continue confronting the menace and its supporters unitedly.+1
Trade, Connectivity, and Digital Integration
The two sides inked several agreements to broaden economic ties, with a focus on agriculture, energy, and digital payments. A major highlight was the agreement to enable the use of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Israel, facilitating easier cross-border transactions for businesses and tourists.+1
Discussions also progressed on major multilateral frameworks:
- IMEC: The implementation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor was a key point of dialogue, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity.
- I2U2: Both leaders discussed further cooperation under the I2U2 group (India, Israel, the UAE, and the USA) to address food security and clean energy challenges.
Prime Minister Modi concluded his remarks by noting that the relationship is founded on a “bedrock of deep trust” and shared democratic values, ensuring the bond remains resilient against the “test of every trial of time.”
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “India & Israel elevate ties to special strategic partnership…” (26 February 2026)
- Ministry of External Affairs: “Prime Minister’s visit to Israel: Joint Statement” (26 February 2026)
- The Jerusalem Post: “Netanyahu and Modi announce Special Strategic Partnership” (26 February 2026)
- The Hindu: “Modi backs Gaza peace initiative during Jerusalem visit” (26 February 2026)
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