Israel and India Sign 16 Agreements, Deepening New Delhi’s Alignment with the Occupation
Modi visit to Tel Aviv elevates bilateral ties to a ‘special strategic partnership’ amid continued coordination on Gaza
Palestine | PUREWILAYAH.COM — Israel and India on Thursday signed 16 memoranda of understanding across various bilateral fields during a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tel Aviv, a move both sides said elevates relations to what they described as a “special strategic partnership.”
The announcement followed a working meeting held at the King David Hotel in occupied Jerusalem, attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. The meeting concluded with a joint press conference.
Statements by Israeli and Indian Leaders
Netanyahu said Modi’s visit produced “remarkable results” in several areas, describing the meeting as “short but productive.” He added that the two sides are working on concrete plans that will be followed by a joint governmental meeting in India in the coming period.
He also stated that the future of relations between the two sides is based on innovation and praised the performance of Modi’s government.
Modi described his visit as “an important milestone” in bilateral relations, saying cooperation between Israel and India has expanded in the fields of security, agriculture, water, development, and labor.
Defense Cooperation and Alignment on the Gaza War
Modi said the two sides are close to completing a mutually beneficial free trade agreement and are moving toward cooperation in development, production, and technology transfer in the defense sector.
He also confirmed continued coordination with Israel regarding the war on Gaza and reiterated India’s condemnation of what he described as “terrorism.”
Modi said upgrading relations to a “special strategic partnership” is a natural and forward-looking step.
Agreements Signed and Official Meetings Held in Occupied Jerusalem
The memoranda of understanding include agreements in the fields of culture and agricultural innovation, as well as an agreement to establish an agricultural research and innovation center in India, featuring training programs, exchanges of expertise, and academic cooperation.
During the visit, Modi met Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who described India as “a vital part of the future of the Middle East.” Modi extended an official invitation for Herzog to visit India.
Modi arrived earlier at Ben Gurion Airport, where he was received by Netanyahu, before delivering a speech at a special session of the Knesset expressing India’s support for Israel following October 7.
He is the first Indian prime minister to address the Knesset and was also the first Indian leader to make an official visit to Israel in 2017. (PW)