Modi, Netanyahu Review India–Israel Special Strategic Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reviewed the progress of the India–Israel Special Strategic Partnership during a telephone conversation on August 6, 2026.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and discussed the implementation of initiatives announced during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Israel in February 2026, when the relationship was elevated to a Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity.

Economic cooperation featured prominently in the conversation. Modi and Netanyahu welcomed the India–Israel Bilateral Investment Agreement, which entered into force in July 2026. The agreement is expected to provide greater protection and regulatory certainty for investors while supporting joint ventures, manufacturing projects and technology partnerships.

Both countries are also negotiating a Free Trade Agreement aimed at improving market access and expanding trade in goods, services and technology. Key areas of opportunity include pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, electronics, agricultural technology, medical equipment and advanced industrial systems.

Defence and security remain important pillars of the partnership. India and Israel cooperate in surveillance systems, unmanned platforms, missiles, air defence, electronic warfare, cybersecurity and counterterrorism. India is increasingly seeking partnerships involving domestic production, technology transfer and joint research under its defence-indigenisation programme.

The two countries are also expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, critical minerals and cybersecurity. Israel’s innovation ecosystem and India’s engineering talent, manufacturing capacity and large domestic market provide complementary strengths.

Agriculture and water management continue to form a major civilian component of the relationship. Israeli technologies in micro-irrigation, protected cultivation, desalination, wastewater recycling and precision farming are being adapted for Indian conditions through Centres of Excellence and state-level projects.

Modi and Netanyahu also exchanged views on developments in West Asia. India has major interests in the region, including energy security, maritime trade routes and the safety of Indian citizens. The leaders agreed to remain in contact as regional conditions evolve.

The latest conversation reflects a shift in India–Israel relations from agreement-making towards implementation. The future strength of the partnership will depend on the completion of investment projects, trade negotiations, technology programmes, defence-industrial cooperation and practical initiatives benefiting businesses, researchers and citizens in both countries.