Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday wrapped up his important visit to Israel, his first trip to the country in nine years. The visit marked a major milestone in bilateral ties. Both nations agreed to upgrade their relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership, signalling closer cooperation across several sectors.
27 Agreements to Boost Cooperation
India and Israel signed 27 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements focus on innovation, cultural exchange, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies. The leaders also discussed economic growth, diplomatic engagement, and stronger security collaboration.
Prime Minister Modi departed from Ben-Gurion International Airport. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu were present to see him off, along with senior diplomats from both sides.
Thank you Israel, for the warmth and affection.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2026
Deeply touched that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs. Netanyahu personally came to the airport to see me off.
Confident that the India–Israel partnership will continue to reach new heights in the years to come.@netanyahu pic.twitter.com/TgGsIsXOJY
After the talks, PM Modi said, “Today’s discussions with PM Netanyahu were very fruitful. We’ve taken a historic decision to elevate our time-tested partnership to a Special Strategic Partnership. This decision reflects the aspirations of the people of both countries.”
Strong Stand Against Terrorism
Terrorism remained a key issue during the discussions. India and Israel strongly condemned terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism. In a joint statement, the two leaders called for “decisive and concerted international efforts” to fight terrorism in a sustained and comprehensive way.
“The leaders unequivocally and strongly condemned terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism,” the statement said.
The leaders condemned the October 7, 2023 terror attack on Israel, the attack on Indian tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, and the terror incident near Red Fort in New Delhi on November 10, 2025. They reaffirmed their shared resolve to combat terrorism as leaders of two democratic nations.
PM Modi stated, “India and Israel are clear that there is no place for terrorism in the world. Terrorism cannot be accepted in any form. We will continue to fight against terrorism and its supporters…We will proceed together on IMEC and I2U2…”
He further added, “India and Israel are completely clear that there is no place for terrorism in the world. Terrorism in any form, in any expression, cannot be accepted. We have been standing shoulder to shoulder opposing terrorism and its supporters, and will continue to do so. Peace and stability in West Asia are directly linked to India’s security.”
Support for Peace in West Asia
The leaders reviewed regional developments and peace efforts in West Asia. They welcomed US President Donald Trump’s “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.” They underlined the need for lasting peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and trade through dialogue and mutual understanding.
PM Modi said, “Therefore, from the beginning, we have supported dialogue and a peaceful solution. This is the call of the Global South and all of humanity. India’s thinking is clear: Humanity must never become a victim of conflict. The Gaza Peace Plan has created a path for peace. India fully supports these efforts. In the future as well, we will continue dialogue and cooperation with all countries.”
Trade and Technology Partnership
Prime Minister Modi announced that both sides will soon finalise a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He also declared the launch of a “Critical and Emerging Technology Partnership” to deepen cooperation in advanced technology and innovation sectors.
Netanyahu Praises the Visit
At the joint press briefing, PM Netanyahu described the visit as an “amazing visit” and said it was “extraordinarily productive and also extraordinarily moving”. Referring to Modi’s address at the Knesset, he remarked, “I think there wasn’t a dry eye left in Israel after your moving statement yesterday in the Knesset”.
He added, “The meeting of minds and hearts that we have had here will continue”. Netanyahu also announced plans to hold a government-to-government (G2G) meeting in India soon.
Meeting with President Herzog
During the visit, PM Modi met Israeli President Isaac Herzog. He planted a tree in the Presidential Gardens under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative and invited President Herzog to visit India.
Tribute at Yad Vashem
Prime Minister Modi also visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. He laid a wreath in memory of Holocaust victims and visited the Book of Names Hall. This was his second visit to the memorial, reflecting India’s respect for history and commitment to peace and human dignity.
Overall, the visit strengthened strategic, economic, and security ties between India and Israel. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deeper cooperation and global stability.