India–Israel Ties Elevated to Special Strategic Partnership Amid 2026 High-Level Visit

Why in News ?

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2026 visit to Israel, India and Israel elevated their bilateral ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity.” The visit resulted in 27 outcomes, including the signing of 17 agreements across defence, technology, agriculture, trade, and connectivity sectors.

Background & Context

India and Israel established full diplomatic relations in 1992. Prior to that, engagement remained limited due to India’s support for the Palestinian cause and Cold War geopolitical alignments.

Post-1991 economic liberalisation and the end of the Cold War created space for deeper engagement. A major turning point occurred in 2017 when Prime Minister Modi undertook the first standalone visit by an Indian PM to Israel, elevating ties to a “Strategic Partnership.”

Since then, cooperation has expanded beyond defence to innovation, water management, agriculture, cybersecurity, and high technology.

India–Israel Bilateral Relationship

1. Defence and Security Cooperation

Defence remains the backbone of bilateral ties. Israel is among India’s leading defence suppliers, particularly in:

• Missile systems
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
• Radar and surveillance systems
• Border management technologies

The two nations share strong intelligence cooperation and maintain a consistent position against terrorism, including cross-border terrorism.

2. Agriculture and Water Management

Agricultural cooperation is widely regarded as a model partnership.

Key initiatives:

• Establishment of multiple Centres of Excellence across Indian states.
• Focus areas include horticulture, micro-irrigation, precision farming, and protected cultivation.
• Israeli expertise in drip irrigation and desert farming has enhanced water-use efficiency in Indian agriculture.

The collaboration reflects technology-driven rural transformation.

3. Trade, Innovation and Technology

Trade has diversified significantly:

• From US$ 200 million in 1992 (primarily diamonds)
• To a peak of US$ 10.77 billion (excluding defence) in FY 2022-23

Recent years saw a decline (US$ 6.53 billion in FY 2023-24; US$ 3.75 billion in FY 2024-25), partly due to regional instability and supply chain disruptions.

Innovation cooperation has intensified:

• Israel’s reputation as a “Start-Up Nation” complements India’s digital economy.
• Joint R&D funds, academic exchanges, and start-up collaborations have expanded.

4. Convergence in West Asia

India maintains balanced relations with Israel, Arab states, and Iran. However, India–Israel engagement has become increasingly open and multidimensional.

Regional stability is vital for:

• India’s energy security
• Diaspora safety
• Trade connectivity

Both countries support peace and stability in West Asia.

Key Outcomes of PM Modi’s 2026 Visit

Elevation of Partnership

The relationship was formally upgraded to a Special Strategic Partnership, marking a new phase in institutional cooperation.

1. Technology and Emerging Domains

• Launch of a Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership (AI, quantum, cybersecurity, critical minerals).
• Establishment of an Indo-Israel Cyber Centre of Excellence.
• Elevation of the Joint Commission on Science & Technology to ministerial level.
• MoU on geophysical exploration using AI-driven techniques.

2. Defence and Counter-Terrorism

• Roadmap for joint development and production of defence systems.
• Emphasis on technology transfer and co-production.
• Strong condemnation of terrorism in all forms.

3. Trade and Economic Cooperation

• Progress noted in negotiations toward a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• Agreement on enabling India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Israel.
• Expanded cooperation in:
  • Digital health
  • Civil nuclear energy
  • Space technology
  • Financial dialogue mechanisms

4. Agriculture and Rural Development

• Expansion of Centres of Excellence to 100.
• Launch of “Villages of Excellence” initiative.
• Establishment of an India–Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture.

5. Connectivity and Regional Cooperation

• Collaboration on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
• Engagement under the I2U2 framework.
• Discussion of regional tensions, including developments involving Iran and the United States.
• Reaffirmation of commitment to dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.

Significance of the Special Strategic Partnership

1. Strategic Diversification

Strengthens India’s footprint in West Asia while maintaining strategic autonomy.

2. Defence Indigenisation

Joint production and technology transfer align with India’s defence manufacturing goals.

3. Technology and Innovation Boost

Deepens collaboration in emerging domains critical to 21st-century competitiveness.

4. Economic and Trade Expansion

FTA negotiations and digital cooperation may revitalise bilateral trade.

5. Regional Stability

Joint engagement in IMEC and I2U2 enhances connectivity and economic integration.

Broader Geopolitical Context

India–Israel ties must be viewed alongside India’s engagement with Gulf countries and Iran. India continues to pursue a multi-aligned West Asia policy, balancing strategic partnerships without compromising regional interests.

The elevation to a Special Strategic Partnership signals institutional maturity and long-term commitment.