Modi announces new strategic partnership with Israel

“Today we are granting our partnership, which has proven itself over time, the status of a special strategic partnership,” Modi said.

By World Israel News Staff

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Thursday that India and Israel are elevating their bilateral relationship to a new level, declaring the countries’ ties a “special strategic partnership” during a ceremony marking the signing of 16 cooperation agreements between the two nations.

“Today we are granting our partnership, which has proven itself over time, the status of a special strategic partnership,” Modi said alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The agreements, signed by senior officials from both governments, cover cooperation in culture, innovation, and agriculture, including civilian drone use, satellite data sharing, and the transfer of advanced agricultural technologies.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, signed several of the accords, which also focus on irrigation management, fertilization technologies, pest control, greenhouse cultivation, and agricultural innovation.

Opening the joint statement, Netanyahu praised Modi’s visit and his recent address to Israel’s parliament.

“It was an emotional visit. There wasn’t a dry eye in Israel after your moving speech in the Knesset,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israel and India are “ancient and proud civilizations.” He also announced plans to hold a future bilateral government meeting in India.

Modi thanked Netanyahu for the warm reception and described returning to Israel as a meaningful moment, recalling that he was the first Indian prime minister to visit the country.

“When I stepped again onto this historic land, it was an emotional moment for me,” he said, emphasizing that relations between the two countries are rooted in shared democratic and humanitarian values.

The Indian leader said the decision to upgrade ties reflects the long-term aspirations of both nations.

“This friendship is built on deep foundations. Our relations have stood the test of time,” Modi said. “Today’s historic decision symbolizes the ambitions of our peoples.”

The announcement followed Modi’s address to the Knesset a day earlier, where he became the first Indian prime minister to speak before Israel’s parliament.

In his speech, Modi expressed solidarity with Israel following the October 7 Hamas attacks, stating, “Nothing can justify terrorism,” and called for coordinated global efforts to combat extremism while highlighting the shared history and future partnership between the two countries.

Both sides also confirmed ongoing efforts to advance negotiations toward an ambitious free trade agreement aimed at expanding economic cooperation and unlocking further trade potential between India and Israel.