 "India, Israel elevate ties to special strategic partnership; PM Modi calls it ‘reflection of aspirations of both nations’")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that India and Israel have elevated their bilateral relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership,” marking a significant step in expanding cooperation across critical sectors, including defence and emerging technologies.
#WATCH | Jerusalem | Addressing a joint press briefing with Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu, PM Modi says," We have taken a historic decision to give our time-tested relationship the status of special strategic partnership. This is a reflection of the aspirations of both the… pic.twitter.com/jkBeTYWB35
— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2026
Addressing a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, PM Modi said the India-Israel relationship is anchored in “deep trust, shared democratic values, and human sensitivities,” and has stood the test of time.
“We have taken a historic decision to give our time-tested relationship the status of special strategic partnership. This is a reflection of the aspirations of both the nations,” he said.
He also dedicated ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ that was awarded to him yesterday to 140 crore Indians and the India-Israel friendship.
“After nine years, visiting Israel again is a moment of pride for me. Yesterday, I was awarded the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’. I dedicate this award to 140 crore Indians and the India-Israel friendship,” he said.
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View AllThe two leaders also announced agreements in key areas, including a new framework for cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.
The partnership is expected to boost collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and critical minerals.
PM Modi further announced that India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will be introduced in Israel, expanding digital payment linkages between the two countries.
Reiterating a shared stance on global security, the Prime Minister said both nations remain firm in their opposition to terrorism.
“India and Israel are completely clear that there is no place for terrorism in the world. Terrorism cannot be accepted in any form or expression. We have stood shoulder-to-shoulder in opposing terrorism and its supporters, and we will continue to do so,” he said.
Ahead of PM Modi’s address, Israeli PM Netanyahu hailed his second visit to Israel.
“This is an amazing visit, an amazing conclusion to an amazing visit. It was short but extraordinarily productive and also extraordinarily moving. I think there wasn’t a dry eye left in Israel after your moving statement yesterday in the Knesset," Netanyahu said at the joint press meet.
#WATCH | Jerusalem, Israel: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says, "This is an amazing visit, an amazing conclusion to an amazing visit. It was short but extraordinarily productive and also extraordinarily moving. I think there wasn't a dry eye left in Israel after your moving… pic.twitter.com/o1Y7YtJby0
— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2026
He also praised Modi’s leadership and underlined the innovation-driven partnership between the two countries. “We will extend cooperation in nuclear energy and space," he said, adding that the future belonged to nations that believed in innovation.
Earlier in the day, Modi began his engagements with a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial established in 1953 to honour the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust. He later held bilateral talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
“It was a delight to meet you and discuss diverse aspects of the India-Israel friendship. There is immense scope in futuristic areas such as technology, innovation, StartUps and more. My gratitude to you for supporting the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A tree for Mother) initiative," Modi said in a post on X.
On Wednesday, PM Modi addressed a Special Plenary session of the Knesset in Jerusalem, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament.
During the visit, he was conferred with the Knesset’s highest honour, the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal,” by the Israeli Parliament.
Later in the day, PM Modi is scheduled to interact with members of the Indian diaspora in Israel before departing for New Delhi.
With inputs from agencies
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