Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shakes hands with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during a press conference in Jerusalem on February 26, 2026. PHOTO: AFP
India will soon finalise a mutually beneficial free trade agreement with Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday. The two countries will also pursue joint development, production and transfer of technology in defence, Modi said at the end of his two-day trip to Israel.
On Thursday, Modi said that India and Israel agree there is “no place for terrorism in the world,” as he wrapped up a two-day visit aimed at strengthening ties. The trip, which has drawn criticism at home, marks Modi’s second visit to Israel as prime minister since taking office in 2014.
He highlighted future cooperation in areas including technology and energy. “Together, we will move forward towards joint development, joint production and the transfer of technology,” he said. “At the same time, we will also advance our cooperation in areas such as civil nuclear energy and space.”
Read More: Modi says India stands ‘firmly’ with Israel
Netanyahu described the visit as “amazing” and “extraordinarily productive,” emphasising joint innovation between the two countries. “The future belongs to those who innovate, and Israel and India are bent on innovation,” Netanyahu said.
At the press conference, several memorandums of understanding were signed in areas including education, geophysical exploration and artificial intelligence.
‘We feel your pain’
On Wednesday, Modi told lawmakers at the Knesset that India stood “firmly” with Israel following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. “I carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7,” Modi said.
Today’s discussions with PM Netanyahu were very fruitful. We’ve taken a historic decision to elevate our time-tested partnership to a Special Strategic Partnership. This decision reflects the aspirations of the people of both countries.@netanyahu pic.twitter.com/zXJr2re3Mb
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2026
He added that India’s economic growth and Israel’s leadership in technological innovation form a “natural foundation for our forward-looking partnership,” citing opportunities in quantum technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Netanyahu said Modi’s visit would help “further reinforce our ties.”
