Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday delivered a joint press statement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his state visit to Israel, announcing the elevation of bilateral ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership” and outlining expanded cooperation across multiple sectors.
Addressing Netanyahu, his wife Sara Netanyahu, delegates from both countries, and members of the media, Prime Minister Modi said: “Namaskar! Shalom!”
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Netanyahu for the warm welcome extended to him and the Indian delegation. Recalling his 2017 visit as the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel, he described returning to the historic land as a moment of pride and emotion.
Prime Minister Modi thanked the Knesset, its Speaker, Netanyahu, and the people of Israel for honouring him with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal during his address to the Israeli Parliament on Thursday. He dedicated the honour to 1.4 billion Indians and the India-Israel friendship.
The Prime Minister said the relationship is built on deep trust, shared democratic values, and human compassion, having stood the test of time. The decision to elevate ties to a Special Strategic Partnership reflects the aspirations of both peoples.
Prime Minister Modi said the two leaders discussed giving cooperation new direction and momentum. He described economic cooperation as an engine of growth, innovation, and shared prosperity, noting the Bilateral Investment Agreement signed last year and the forthcoming mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement.
On technology, he announced the establishment of a Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership to boost cooperation in AI, quantum, and critical minerals.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed the agreement for UPI use in Israel and reaffirmed commitment to sharing experiences in digital health to improve lives.
He highlighted decades-old trusted defence cooperation, with last year’s MoU adding new dimensions in joint development, production, and technology transfer.
The Prime Minister said cooperation in civil nuclear energy and space will also advance.
In agriculture, he noted the long and successful history and said both countries have resolved to give it a futuristic direction. He cited Centres of Excellence in India as excellent examples and set a goal of increasing their number to 100. He added that work is underway on Villages of Excellence to bring Israeli technology to every Indian village, raising income and productivity for millions of farmers. Future-ready farming solutions and the “India-Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture” will provide a strong foundation.
Prime Minister Modi said people-to-people ties are a key pillar. India’s 2023 Manpower Mobility Agreement has seen Indian workers contribute to Israel’s construction and care-giver sectors through hard work and skills. Cooperation is expanding to commerce and services. To connect youth, researchers, and innovators, the two countries are establishing the India-Israel Academic Forum.
On regional and global issues, he said both nations will advance with renewed momentum on the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (I-MAKE) and the India Israel UAE USA (I-2-U-2) Corridor.
Prime Minister Modi said India and Israel are clear that terrorism has no place in the world and cannot be tolerated in any form. He said both nations have stood shoulder to shoulder against terrorism and its supporters and will continue to do so.
He stated that India’s security interests are linked to peace and stability in West Asia, supporting dialogue and a peaceful solution from the beginning — a call from the Global South and all humanity. He said humanity must never become a victim of conflict. The Gaza Peace Plan has opened a path to peace, which India has fully supported, and India will continue dialogue and cooperation with all countries.
Prime Minister Modi said Netanyahu’s warmth made the visit memorable and expressed gratitude for the love, affection, and respect from him and the people of Israel.
He concluded with “Thank you very much. Toda Rabba.”
