Jerusalem: India and Israel on Thursday elevated their bilateral ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, sealing multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across a wide spectrum of sectors including cultural exchange, geophysical exploration, fisheries and aquaculture, digital payments, and AI-driven education.
The agreements were exchanged following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, marking a significant expansion of cooperation between the two nations.
Strategic Leap in Partnership
In his press statement, Mr. Modi described the India–Israel relationship as one built on deep trust, shared democratic values, and enduring human connections. He said the partnership has withstood the test of time and has now entered a new phase with the decision to elevate it to a Special Strategic Partnership.
Today’s discussions with PM Netanyahu were very fruitful. We’ve taken a historic decision to elevate our time-tested partnership to a Special Strategic Partnership. This decision reflects the aspirations of the people of both countries.@netanyahu pic.twitter.com/zXJr2re3Mb
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2026
Recalling his historic visit to Israel nine years ago as the first Indian Prime Minister to do so, Mr. Modi said returning to the country was both a proud and emotional moment. He emphasized that both sides have now agreed to launch a Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership, which will drive collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and critical minerals.
UPI Rollout, Tech & Innovation Focus
Among the key outcomes was an agreement to enable the use of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Israel — a move expected to boost digital transactions, tourism and business connectivity between the two countries.
The MoUs also covered cooperation in education through artificial intelligence, geophysical research, and strengthening partnerships in fisheries and aquaculture, further diversifying bilateral engagement.
United Against Terrorism
Reiterating India’s firm position on global security, Mr. Modi asserted that terrorism has no place in the world in any form. He said India and Israel have consistently stood shoulder to shoulder in combating terrorism and will continue their joint efforts against extremist threats.
On regional developments, the Prime Minister underlined that humanity must not become a victim of conflict and reaffirmed India’s support for peaceful solutions and dialogue in West Asia.
אתמול בירושלים , רוה”מ נתניהו ואני ביקרנו בתערוכה שהציגה מוצרי חדשנות מיוחדים מעולם הטכנולוגיה . קיבלתי הצצה לעבודות חלוציות של ישראלים צעירים בתחומי ה AI, קוונטום, בריאות, ביטחון סייבר, מקורות מים, חקלאות ועוד. עודדתי את החברות הישראליות להשקיע בהודו ולעבוד בשיתוף עם הצעירים… pic.twitter.com/qt1I4of4Z7
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2026
Shared Vision for the Future
Prime Minister Netanyahu described the discussions as forward-looking and innovation-driven. He said both India and Israel, as ancient civilizations with proud histories, are determined to shape the future together through technology, research and economic collaboration.
The latest agreements signal a deepening of ties beyond traditional sectors, positioning India and Israel as strategic partners in innovation, security and sustainable development in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Key Outcomes: 17 India–Israel Agreements
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Elevation of Bilateral Ties
Formal declaration upgrading the relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity. -
Critical & Emerging Technologies Partnership
Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, semiconductors and critical minerals. -
UPI Integration in Israel
Agreement to enable India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) operations in Israel to boost fintech connectivity. -
Fintech & Digital Payments Collaboration
Regulatory and institutional cooperation between financial authorities. -
Geophysical Exploration & Earth Sciences
Joint research and data-sharing in geology and mineral exploration. -
Critical Minerals Cooperation
Partnership for sourcing, research and sustainable development of strategic minerals. -
Fisheries & Aquaculture Development
Collaboration in marine resources, fish farming technologies and coastal sustainability. -
Agriculture & Water Management
Expansion of Centres of Excellence and joint work in drip irrigation, agri-innovation and water recycling. -
Artificial Intelligence in Education
Academic cooperation for AI-based learning tools and digital classrooms. -
Higher Education & Research Exchange
University partnerships, joint research projects and scholar mobility. -
Cultural Exchange Programme
Promotion of arts, heritage conservation and people-to-people contacts. -
Space Cooperation Expansion
Collaboration between space agencies in satellite applications and innovation. -
Health & Medical Research Cooperation
Joint work in biotechnology, medical devices and public health systems. -
Labour & Mobility Partnership
Framework for regulated movement of Indian workers to Israel in key sectors. -
Cybersecurity Cooperation
Enhanced collaboration to tackle cyber threats and strengthen digital infrastructure security. -
Innovation & Startup Collaboration
Boosting joint ventures between Indian and Israeli startups and technology incubators. -
Industrial R&D and Advanced Manufacturing
Partnership to promote research, design and high-tech manufacturing collaboration.
