Netanyahu, Modi Strengthen Bilateral Ties With New Agreements

In a powerful display of partnership and shared vision, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a sweeping series of economic, security, and diplomatic agreements in Jerusalem.

Standing side by side at a joint press conference, the two leaders oversaw the signing of memorandums of understanding spanning agriculture, geophysical exploration, heritage, science, education, economy, cyber, technology, security, and artificial intelligence. The agreements were signed by ministers from both governments, along with India’s Ambassador to Israel, J.P. Singh.

The message was clear: Israel and India are entering a new era of cooperation.

“We know that the meeting of minds and hearts that we had here will continue,” Netanyahu said, emphasizing not only the strategic alignment between the two nations, but also the personal rapport between the leaders.

Modi echoed that sentiment, announcing that India will soon finalize a mutually beneficial free trade agreement with Israel. Such a pact would significantly boost bilateral trade, strengthen supply chains, and open new markets for Israeli innovation and Indian industry alike.

In addition, Modi confirmed that Israel and India will expand joint development, production, and technology transfer in defense a sector that has long served as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship.

The agreements reflect a broad and ambitious agenda. In agriculture, Israeli expertise in irrigation and climate-smart farming is expected to complement India’s vast agricultural base. In cyber and artificial intelligence, collaboration will tap into Israel’s globally recognized innovation ecosystem and India’s growing technological scale.

Defense cooperation, already robust, is poised to deepen further with joint projects and industrial partnerships. Both nations face complex regional security challenges and view their collaboration as essential to long-term stability.

Earlier in the day, the visit took on a solemn tone as Netanyahu and Modi toured Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. Beginning in the Hall of Names, Modi paid tribute to the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust.

A memorial ceremony followed the tour. Modi laid a wreath and placed a stone in remembrance of the victims a gesture of respect deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. Later, he described the Holocaust as “one of humanity’s darkest chapters” and an eternal reminder of the need to uphold humanity, dignity, and peace.

The visit to Yad Vashem underscored the moral foundation of the India–Israel partnership: two ancient civilizations that have endured hardship and emerged as vibrant democracies committed to freedom.

Modi’s visit began the day before with a historic address to the Knesset—the first ever delivered by an Indian prime minister. In his speech, he praised the enduring friendship between Israel and India and outlined a shared vision focused on innovation, economic advancement, and technological leadership.

“The friendship between Israel and India remains a source of strength in an uncertain world,” Modi declared, receiving standing ovations from lawmakers.

That phrase captured the spirit of the visit. In a time marked by geopolitical uncertainty, both nations are choosing cooperation over isolation, partnership over hesitation.

For Israel, the agreements reaffirm its growing global stature as a leader in innovation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and defense technology. For India, the partnership enhances strategic depth and access to cutting-edge capabilities.

Together, Jerusalem and New Delhi are building a framework that extends beyond diplomacy into joint research, industrial collaboration, and long-term economic integration.

The signing ceremony in Jerusalem was more than a formal event. It was a signal that the India–Israel alliance is evolving into one of the most dynamic partnerships of the 21st century.

Israel continues to strengthen bonds with leading democracies around the world. Share this story and subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about Israel’s expanding global partnerships and strategic achievements.