Latest Development
- During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2026 visit to Israel, the relationship was elevated to a “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity.”
- 27 outcomes were announced, including 17 agreements across multiple sectors.
Evolution of Bilateral Relations
- Full diplomatic relations established in 1992.
- Prior engagement limited due to India’s support for Palestine and Cold War geopolitics.
- Post-1991 economic liberalisation accelerated ties.
- In 2017, PM Modi’s standalone visit to Israel elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership.
- 2026 visit further deepened engagement into a Special Strategic Partnership.
Defence and Security Cooperation
- Defence cooperation is the backbone of ties.
- Israel is among India’s top defence suppliers in:
- Missile systems
- UAVs
- Radar systems
- Border surveillance technology
- Strong intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism cooperation.
- 2026 roadmap includes:
- Joint development
- Joint production
- Technology transfer
- Joint statement strongly condemned terrorism, including cross-border terrorism.
Technology and Emerging Domains
- Launch of a Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership covering:
- Artificial intelligence
- Quantum technologies
- Cybersecurity
- Critical minerals
- Establishment of an Indo–Israel Cyber Centre of Excellence in India.
- Elevation of Joint Commission on Science and Technology to ministerial level.
- MoU signed on geophysical exploration using AI-based mineral technologies.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
- Trade diversified beyond defence to:
- Diamonds
- Chemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Electronics
- High-technology sectors
- Merchandise trade peaked at US$ 10.77 billion (FY 2022–23).
- Decline in recent years due to regional security disruptions.
- Progress noted in negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement.
- Agreement on use of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Israel.
- Cooperation expanded in digital health, civil nuclear energy, space and financial dialogue.
Agriculture and Water Management
- Establishment of multiple Centres of Excellence in Indian states.
- Focus areas:
- Horticulture
- Micro-irrigation
- Precision farming
- Water-use efficiency
- Target to expand Centres of Excellence to 100.
- Vision to create “Villages of Excellence.”
- Launch of an India–Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture.
Regional and Strategic Convergence
- Growing alignment in West Asia.
- India maintains balanced ties with Israel, Arab nations and Iran.
- Cooperation under:
- India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
- I2U2 grouping (India, Israel, UAE, USA)
- Shared interest in regional stability and secure trade routes.
- Emphasis on dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Strategic Significance
- Deepens technological and defence cooperation.
- Enhances India’s access to advanced innovation ecosystems.
- Strengthens Indo-Pacific and West Asian strategic linkages.
- Reflects transition from transactional defence ties to multidimensional partnership.
The India–Israel Special Strategic Partnership represents a mature and broad-based relationship built on defence, innovation, agriculture, technology and shared security interests.
