India-Israel Ties Elevated to ‘Special Strategic’ Level

PM Modi, Netanyahu announce historic upgrade after bilateral talks

February 26, 2026: India and Israel have decided to elevate their bilateral ties to a “special strategic partnership,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during a joint press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Calling it a historic decision, Modi said the move reflects the shared aspirations of both nations. The announcement followed wide-ranging talks, after which the two sides signed multiple agreements to expand cooperation in innovation, agriculture and other key sectors.

Netanyahu said both countries have agreed to hold a government-to-government (G2G) meeting in India at the earliest opportunity, describing it as long overdue. He praised India’s governance model and highlighted the strong understanding between the two leaders. Emphasising future-focused collaboration, Netanyahu pointed to joint efforts in education, artificial intelligence and technological advancement, stating that innovation would drive the next phase of partnership between the two ancient yet forward-looking civilisations.

Modi thanked his counterpart for the warm welcome and dedicated the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ to the people of India, calling his visit a moment of pride. Netanyahu termed the trip “extraordinarily productive and moving,” noting the emotional resonance of Modi’s address to the Israeli parliament. The elevation of ties is expected to further deepen cooperation across strategic, technological and diplomatic domains.