India and Israel upgraded their longstanding relationship to a “special strategic partnership” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day state visit, agreeing to finalize a mutually beneficial free trade deal soon.
The leaders signed multiple agreements and MoUs spanning AI, cybersecurity, education, and other key sectors. A notable pact enables UPI payments in Israel, boosting digital trade links.
Building on successful Indo-Israel Centres of Excellence (CoE) in agriculture – high-tech hubs transferring Israeli tech adapted for Indian farmers and priority crops – PM Modi announced “Villages of Excellence” to deepen rural cooperation.
Historic Knesset Address and Top Honor
On February 25, PM Modi became the first Indian leader to address a Special Plenary of Israel’s Knesset in Jerusalem. Following his speech, the Knesset awarded him the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ – its highest honor, given for the first time to a foreign leader.
The recognition highlights Modi’s personal role in fortifying India-Israel strategic ties. This adds to his 2018 receipt of Palestine’s Grand Collar, the highest honor for foreign dignitaries there.
The visit underscores growing collaboration in tech, security, and agriculture amid shared priorities.
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