India, Israel Deepen Strategic Ties Across AI, Cybersecurity, Defence and Space

New Delhi, Feb 27 (KNN) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli countepart Benjamin Netanyahu have reaffirmed their commitment to a strong strategic partnership driven by innovation and entrepreneurship.

The two leaders have pledged deeper collaboration in AI, cybersecurity, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, agriculture, defence and space.

They underscored the need to institutionalise cooperation across Government-to-Government, Business-to-Business and People-to-People domains to translate policy priorities into tangible outcomes.

Technology, Innovation and Critical & Emerging Technologies

The Prime Ministers welcomed a new Critical and Emerging Technologies (CET) initiative led by their National Security Advisors and agreed to strengthen the India–Israel Industrial R&D and Innovation Fund (I4F) to expand joint research. 

Recognising AI as transformative, they endorsed an MoU on AI cooperation, deeper collaboration in talent and innovation, and a Horizon Scanning mechanism to track emerging global trends.

Cybersecurity Cooperation

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cybersecurity cooperation in public and private sectors. They pledged to develop a multi-year strategic programme encompassing human capacity building, AI integration, applied research, ‘Security by Design’ principles and regular joint tabletop exercises. 

They welcomed the inaugural India–Israel Cyber Policy Dialogue (March 2025) and the signing of a Letter of Intent to establish an India–Israel Centre of Excellence in Cybersecurity in India.

Trade, Investment and Financial Connectivity

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasised unlocking the full potential of bilateral trade and investment. They welcomed the signing of the India–Israel Bilateral Investment Agreement (September 2025) and the Terms of Reference for negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), directing teams to expedite talks for early conclusion.

The leaders supported enhanced financial resilience through cooperation in financial-cyber intelligence and simulations. Prime Minister Netanyahu appreciated India’s fintech revolution, particularly UPI, and both sides agreed to explore linking UPI with Israel’s fast payment system. An MoU between NPCI International and MASAV was welcomed to examine cross-border payment linkages.

They encouraged expanded direct air connectivity between Tel Aviv and major Indian cities, greater Indian participation in Israel’s infrastructure projects, and welcomed the outcomes of the 4th India–Israel CEOs Forum and Business Summit (November 2025).

An MoU between the Indian Council of Arbitration and the Israeli Institute of Commercial Arbitration was also welcomed to strengthen commercial dispute resolution.

Agriculture, Water and Sustainability

The leaders pledged deeper cooperation in water management and agricultural innovation, reviewing 35 Centres of Excellence in India, with eight more underway, benefiting over a million farmers.

They welcomed the India–Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture (IINCA), 20 joint research fellowships in Israel, and plans to expand collaboration in fisheries and aquaculture through a Joint Centre of Excellence.

Parliamentary and People-to-People Cooperation

The leaders welcomed the India–Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group and agreed that up to 50,000 additional Indian workers may travel to Israel over five years, with safeguards on safety and legal rights and expansion into high-skill sectors. 

They also announced the India–Israel Academic Cooperation Forum for annual university dialogue and reaffirmed commitment to I2U2 and advancing cooperation under IMEC to strengthen regional connectivity.

New Agreements Signed

The leaders welcomed agreements across AI, cybersecurity, education, agriculture, finance, worker mobility and digital payments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed their commitment to sustained high-level engagement to build an enduring, innovation-driven India–Israel partnership.

(KNN Bureau)