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The leaders of Israel and India have signed multiple agreements across defense, trade, technology, agriculture, and other key sectors.
Getting into it: The agreements were made after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel for a two-day visit, resulting in the signing of almost 20 memoranda of understanding that formally elevated their relationship to a “special strategic partnership.” A central component of the agreements focuses on expanding defense cooperation through joint development, joint production, and the transfer of military technology. The two sides also committed to deepening collaboration on advanced missile defense systems, drone warfare capabilities, precision-guided munitions, and multi-layered air defense coordination, with potential multibillion-dollar deals under discussion.
Modi added that the partnership will move toward co-production and manufacturing, aligning with India’s domestic defense goals, while Prime Minister Netanyahu described the cooperation as extraordinarily productive and framed it as two innovative nations seizing the future together.
Another major agreement centers on fast-tracking a long-pending free trade agreement (FTA), with both leaders signaling their intent to wrap it up in the coming months. Once finalized, the FTA will expand bilateral trade, reduce barriers, and increase investment between the two countries.
In technology and innovation, the countries agreed to establish a critical and emerging technologies partnership covering artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and critical minerals. India also extended its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to Israel, enabling seamless digital payment integration between the two economies. The agreements also include cooperation in civil nuclear energy, space exploration, digital health, and “horizon scanning.”
Both leaders also vowed to work together on counterterrorism while strengthening intelligence sharing and security coordination.
