Français
Español
English
Portuguese
“This friendship is built on deep foundations. Our relations have stood the test of time,” Modi said.
By United with Israel Staff
India and Israel formally elevated their bilateral relationship Thursday to what Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as a “special strategic partnership,” marking a significant deepening of ties between two democracies that leaders say share common values, security challenges, and long-term ambitions.
The announcement came during a ceremony in which officials from both countries signed 16 cooperation agreements spanning culture, innovation, agriculture, and advanced technology collaboration.
“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 include cooperation in civilian drone technology, satellite data sharing, and the transfer of advanced agricultural expertise, alongside expanded collaboration in irrigation management, fertilization technologies, pest control, greenhouse cultivation, and agricultural innovation.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar signed several of the accords aimed at strengthening practical cooperation between the countries.
Opening the joint statement, Netanyahu highlighted the emotional impact of Modi’s visit and his address to Israel’s parliament, underscoring the growing closeness between the nations.
“It was an emotional visit. There wasn’t a dry eye in Israel after your moving speech in the Knesset,” Netanyahu said, describing Israel and India as “ancient and proud civilizations.”
He also announced plans to convene a future bilateral government meeting in India to further expand cooperation.
Modi thanked Netanyahu for the warm reception and described his return to Israel as personally meaningful, recalling his historic role as the first Indian prime minister to visit the country.
“When I stepped again onto this historic land, it was an emotional moment for me,” Modi said, emphasizing that relations between the two nations are rooted in shared democratic and humanitarian values.
“This friendship is built on deep foundations. Our relations have stood the test of time,” he added. “Today’s historic decision symbolizes the ambitions of our peoples.”
The upgrade in relations followed Modi’s landmark address to the Knesset a day earlier, where he became the first Indian prime minister to speak before Israel’s parliament. In that speech, Modi expressed strong solidarity with Israel following the October 7 Hamas attacks.
“Nothing can justify terrorism,” he said, adding, “We feel your pain and share your grief,” while calling for coordinated global efforts to confront extremism and terrorism.
Framing the relationship as a partnership between two ancient civilizations, Modi told lawmakers, “It is a privilege and an honor for me to stand before this distinguished house. I bring with me the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians and a message of friendship, respect, and partnership.”
Both leaders also emphasized growing economic cooperation, confirming that teams from both countries are working toward an ambitious free trade agreement designed to unlock significant untapped trade potential and expand innovation-driven collaboration between the two economies.
The announcement signals a continued strengthening of Israel’s strategic partnerships in Asia, reinforcing cooperation across technology, agriculture, security, and economic development as ties between Jerusalem and New Delhi continue to deepen.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
