India’s Prime Minister embarked on a two-day official State visit to Israel from 25–26 February 2026 to deepen bilateral cooperation and elevate the India-Israel partnership to a “special strategic partnership”, underscoring expanding ties in defence, technology, trade and strategic cooperation.
Agenda of the Visit
Strategic & Defence Cooperation:
The visit focuses on strengthening defence and security cooperation, including enhanced military technology collaboration and possible joint production in defence systems.
Technology & Innovation:
Talks cover cooperation in technology sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.
Economic and Trade Ties:
Discussion aims to further expand trade, investment and economic cooperation, including using the ongoing India-Israel FTA negotiations to boost economic links.
Agriculture & Water Management:
India and Israel will explore collaborations in agricultural innovation and water technology — sectors where Israel has global expertise.
People-to-People and Cultural Diplomacy:
The visit includes interactions with the Indian diaspora and visits to symbolic sites like Yad Vashem — the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre.
Significance of the Visit
Elevating Bilateral Ties:
The relationship — first upgraded to a strategic partnership during Modi’s 2017 visit — is being taken further, possibly to a “special strategic partnership”, reflecting shared interests in security and economy.
Geopolitical Context:
The visit comes amid volatile regional security dynamics in the Middle East and aims to balance India’s strong ties with both Israel and Arab nations.
Trade Importance:
India is Israel’s second-largest trading partner in Asia, with bilateral trade valued at over USD 3.6 billion in 2025.
Diplomatic Balancing:
India’s foreign policy continues to balance strategic cooperation with Israel while maintaining historical support for the Palestinian cause.
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