Last Updated:February 26, 2026, 17:07 IST

PM Modi also announced a partnership with Israel on critical and emerging technologies, and said both countries will work together against terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that India and Israel have decided to elevate their ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, and also clinched deals in several key areas, such as critical technologies and defence.

Addressing a joint press meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi greeted people with ‘Shalom’ and thanked his counterpart for a warm welcome. “After 9 years, visiting Israel again is a moment of pride for me. Yesterday, I was awarded the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’. I dedicate this award to 140 crore Indians and the India-Israel friendship," he said.

“Our relationship is built on a strong foundation of deep trust, shared democratic values, and human sensitivities. Our ties have stood the test of time. Today, we have taken the historic decision to elevate our time-tested partnership to the status of a Special Strategic Partnership," he added.

ALSO READ: Diplomatic Wordplay: With India & France Now ‘Special Global Strategic Partners’, How Is It Unlike ‘Allies’?

The two countries also reached an agreement for a partnership in critical and emerging technologies, which will infuse fresh momentum to cooperation in areas such as AI, quantum, and critical minerals. PM Modi also announced a deal for the use of UPI in Israel and promised to work on a mutually beneficial free trade agreement.

“India and Israel are completely clear that there is no place for terrorism in the world. Terrorism cannot be accepted in any form or expression. We have stood shoulder-to-shoulder in opposing terrorism and its supporters, and we will continue to do so," he added.

The Prime Minister also expressed support for the Gaza Peace Plan by the United States, affirming that humanity must not become a victim of conflict.

Taking to X, PM Modi said, “Today’s discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu were very fruitful. We reached a historic decision to elevate our proven partnership to a ‘special strategic partnership’. This decision reflects the aspirations of the citizens of both countries."

FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES

Ahead of PM Modi’s address, Israeli PM Netanyahu hailed his second visit to Israel. “This is an amazing visit, an amazing conclusion to an amazing visit. It was short but extraordinarily productive and also extraordinarily moving. I think there wasn’t a dry eye left in Israel after your moving statement yesterday in the Knesset," Netanyahu said at the press meet.

The Israeli PM also said Modi had an efficient government and the future belonged to both countries who believed in innovation. “We will extend cooperation in nuclear energy and space," he said.

PM Modi began the second day of his visit to Israel by visiting Yad Vashem — Israel’s official memorial, established in 1953, to commemorate the six million Jews murdered by Nazis. He then met Israeli President Isaac Herzog for bilateral engagements.

“It was a delight to meet you and discuss diverse aspects of the India-Israel friendship. There is immense scope in futuristic areas such as technology, innovation, StartUps and more. My gratitude to you for supporting the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A tree for Mother) initiative," he said on X.

At 4 PM, PM Modi will hold an interaction with the Indian diaspora in Israel, following which he will depart for New Delhi at 5:50 PM. On Wednesday, PM Modi addressed a Special Plenary of the Knesset in Jerusalem and became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli parliament.

He was also conferred with the highest honour of the Knesset — “Speaker of the Knesset Medal" — by the Israeli Parliament on Wednesday.

News india 'Our Ties Have Stood Test Of Time': PM Modi Announces Special Strategic Partnership With Israel

Read More