Arabic version: الهند وإسرائيل تعززان التعاون في التجارة والدفاع

India and Israel have pledged to strengthen their cooperation in trade and defense technology, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two-day visit to Israel. During a joint news conference in Jerusalem on February 26, 2026, Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to pursue a free trade agreement and foster collaboration in fields such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. This visit resulted in the signing of more than a dozen bilateral agreements.

According to Al Jazeera, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of innovation, stating, “The future belongs to those who innovate and Israel and India are bent on innovation.” Both leaders expressed pride in their ancient civilizations while focusing on collaborative efforts for future advancements.

A joint statement highlighted the establishment of a mechanism for “horizon scanning,” which aims to identify emerging global trends in technology, economy, and society by leveraging data. Additionally, Israel agreed to permit 50,000 more Indian nationals to work in the country, addressing labor shortages in sectors such as construction and caregiving.

Modi’s visit, his second since he took office in 2014, has faced criticism domestically, reflecting India’s expanding strategic relationship with Israel amidst ongoing conflicts in the region. The joint statement from Modi and Netanyahu referenced recent attacks, including a Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, and another incident in Indian-controlled Kashmir in April 2025.

Modi reiterated that “terrorism cannot be accepted in any form or expression,” while also acknowledging India’s historical support for a Palestinian state. Earlier this month, India condemned Israeli measures that deepen control over the occupied West Bank, showcasing the complex nature of its foreign policy in relation to Israel and Palestine.