Highlights:
- India and Israel to formalize a “special strategic partnership” during the Modi visit
- Focus on joint development of advanced defense systems
- Agreements expected on AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity
- Modi to address the Knesset and visit Yad Vashem
- Defense cooperation remains central to India–Israel ties
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will upgrade India’s relationship with Israel to a “special strategic partnership” during his two-day visit to Jerusalem, a move officials describe as a major step forward in bilateral ties. The new framework is expected to deepen cooperation in defense, advanced technologies, and innovation, while reinforcing long-standing political and security coordination between the two countries.
Modi and the India Israel Special Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his two-day visit to Israel on Wednesday. This marks Modi’s second visit to the country in nine years. During Modi’s first visit in July 2017, India and Israel elevated their ties to a strategic partnership. The upcoming designation of a “special strategic partnership” is expected to further institutionalize cooperation and broaden the scope of engagement.
Officials have described the upgrade as comparable to Israel’s close relationships with countries such as the United States and Germany. The decision reflects the steady expansion of India–Israel relations in defense, trade, and technology over the past decade.
According to sources cited by PTI, the formal upgrade acknowledges the existing depth of cooperation. “The two countries have been reliable partners over the years, especially in times of crisis. This upgrade formally recognizes that reality,” sources told PTI.
The Modi visit will focus on strengthening defense collaboration and expanding trade and technology ties under the new special strategic partnership framework.
Modi and Defense Cooperation Under the New Framework
Defense cooperation is expected to remain a cornerstone of the Modi-led engagement with Israel. Over the years, Israel has supplied India with a range of military platforms and weapon systems. Under the special strategic partnership announced during the Modi visit, both countries are expected to prioritize joint development of advanced defense systems.
Several memorandums of understanding are likely to be signed during the visit. A widely anticipated agreement on defense cooperation is expected to formalize mechanisms for joint research and development.
As part of the upgraded partnership, a new secrecy mechanism will reportedly be established. This mechanism will open additional categories of collaboration that require enhanced confidentiality and strategic coordination.
Local media reports indicate that agreements are being finalized in areas such as air defense systems. These discussions include the potential integration of India into Israel’s laser-based air defense system, Or Eitan. If concluded, such cooperation would mark a significant expansion of technical collaboration under the Modi-led framework.
The emphasis on defense aligns with the long-standing strategic dimension of India–Israel relations, which has grown steadily in recent years.
Modi to Address the Knesset and Strengthen Political Engagement
During his stay in Jerusalem, Modi will engage in high-level political meetings and community outreach. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, are scheduled to welcome Modi at the airport. The two leaders will hold a one-on-one meeting following a brief reception.
Modi will also address lawmakers at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. Addressing the Knesset is considered an honor extended to select global leaders, underscoring the importance of the Modi visit in Israel’s diplomatic calendar.
In addition to addressing lawmakers, Modi will meet members of the Indian community in Israel. These engagements are intended to reinforce people-to-people connections alongside strategic cooperation.
Netanyahu is scheduled to host a private dinner for Modi during the visit, further emphasizing the close working relationship between the two governments.
Modi and Technology Cooperation: AI, Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity
Beyond defense, the Modi visit is expected to advance collaboration in emerging and disruptive technologies. India and Israel are likely to sign memorandums of understanding covering artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.
On Wednesday evening, Modi will attend a technology exhibition highlighting Israel’s technological advancements. Leading Israeli executives are expected to participate in the event, signaling an emphasis on innovation and private-sector engagement.
The focus on advanced technologies reflects the expanding scope of the India–Israel special strategic partnership. Cooperation in AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity aligns with both countries’ priorities in digital transformation and national security.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the Modi visit will reaffirm the deep and longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries. It will also provide an opportunity to address shared challenges and advance cooperation between two democracies.
Modi Visit to Yad Vashem and Meeting with Israeli Leadership
As part of his official program, Modi will pay tribute to Holocaust victims at Yad Vashem on Thursday. The visit to the Holocaust memorial forms an important symbolic component of the trip.
Modi is also scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog during his visit. These engagements highlight the full spectrum of diplomatic interaction under the special strategic partnership framework.
