Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday outlined an ambitious roadmap for deepening India-Israel ties, spanning defence, technology, trade, and counterterrorism, following talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Elevating the bilateral framework, Modi said, “We decided to give time-tested India-Israel ties the status of special strategic partnership.” He also revealed that negotiations toward a mutually beneficial free trade agreement would soon be finalised, potentially expanding trade and investment flows between the two economies.
In a crucial economic development, Modi announced that both sides have reached an agreement to enable the use of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Israel, a move expected to facilitate easier digital transactions and boost tourism and business exchanges.
Reiterating India’s position on peace in the Middle East, PM Modi clarified, “Humanity must never become a victim of conflict.” He said a path to peace has been created through the Gaza Peace Plan and India has fully supported these efforts.
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Modi pointed out that India’s interests are closely tied to stability in the Middle East. “India and Israel stood shoulder-to-shoulder in opposing terrorism and its supporters, and we will continue to do so,” Modi declared. “India and Israel are completely clear that there is no place for terrorism in the world.”
Modi emphasised expanding defence collaboration between the two countries. “We will work towards joint development, joint production and transfer of technologies,” he said, underscoring India’s push to strengthen indigenous capabilities through strategic partnerships. The PM added that a Memorandum of Understanding signed last year would provide a “new direction” to the defence ties.
Modi said both countries would also expand cooperation in civil nuclear energy and space. “India and Israel will work in the fields of civil nuclear energy and space,” he said, pointing to high-technology sectors as key pillars of the evolving relationship.
