JERUSALEM, Feb 26: India and Israel on Thursday elevated their “time-tested” relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership, agreeing to fast-track a long-pending free trade agreement, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed support for the Gaza peace initiative, emphasizing that humanity must never fall victim to conflict.
Speaking after wide-ranging talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi highlighted that India’s security and stability are closely linked to peace in the Middle East and reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to a peaceful resolution in Gaza.
The two leaders signed 17 agreements covering cooperation in artificial intelligence, critical and emerging technologies, trade, investment, education, manufacturing, agriculture, culture, civil nuclear energy, space, maritime heritage, and defense.
They pledged to strengthen defense collaboration through joint development, production, and technology transfers, with discussions including the potential integration of elements from Israel’s Iron Dome into India’s indigenous air defense shield, “Sudarshan Chakra.”
Modi emphasized that the partnership is built on trust, shared democratic values, and human compassion.
He underscored joint efforts to combat terrorism and reiterated that terrorism in any form cannot be tolerated.
On technology, the two countries will expand cooperation in AI, quantum technologies, critical minerals, and digital health, including an agreement to enable India’s UPI system in Israel.
Agricultural collaboration will be expanded, with existing Centres of Excellence in India set to grow to 100, and new “Villages of Excellence” planned to bring Israeli technology directly to rural India, boosting farmer incomes and productivity.
Modi also highlighted progress on regional connectivity initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 framework with Israel, UAE, and the US.
Netanyahu praised the focus on innovation and cooperation, noting that both nations are determined to seize their future together while respecting their rich historical legacies.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reaffirmed India’s support for the US-backed Gaza Peace Initiative, describing it as offering hope for a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.
The leaders’ meeting underscores an ambitious agenda spanning economic, technological, agricultural, defense, and diplomatic cooperation, marking a historic upgrade in bilateral relations while signaling India’s active role in Middle East peace efforts. (PTI)
