India Elevates Israel Relationship to Special Strategic Partnership

India and Israel elevated their relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi says India and Israel will collaborate more closely on defence technology while pursuing a free trade agreement, as he wrapped up a controversial two-day visit”

Al Jazeera

Modi framed the visit as a historic milestone built on trust and shared values.

Al Jazeera

They agreed to fast-track a free trade deal and expand defence cooperation.

Israel pledged to allow 50,000 more Indian workers over the next five years.

Modi publicly supported the Gaza Peace Plan, marking a shift in Indian policy.

He said India's security interests are directly linked to peace in the Middle East.

BBC

The joint statement unequivocally condemned terrorism.

Modi toured Yad Vashem and addressed the Knesset.

India and Israel committed to expanding joint development and production of military hardware.

“India and Israel declared themselves a "special strategic partnership" on Thursday after signing 16 new agreements, the two countries announced in a joint statement on Thursday”

Fox News

The agreement occurred amid a broader US-Israeli-Iran war.

No Indian casualties were reported from defence personnel embedded with Israeli forces.

Critics questioned the wisdom of deepening ties amid war.

Ministers signed agreements on agriculture, innovation, space, cyber, and AI.

India will extend its UPI digital payment system to Israel.

Haaretz

The relationship remains heavily driven by pragmatic considerations.