India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership

India and Israel have elevated their relationship to a "Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation, and Prosperity". This was marked by the signing of 17 pacts during discussions between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu. The partnership is founded on deep trust, shared democratic values, and human sensibilities.

Key Outcomes of the Bilateral Meeting

• Establishment of a Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership to enhance cooperation in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, and critical minerals.
• 27 outcomes, including 17 pacts, ranging from a Memorandum of Understanding on AI to the establishment of the Indo-Israel Cyber Centre of Excellence in India.
• Elevation of a joint commission on science and technology to the ministerial level.
• Initiative to collaborate in critical and emerging technologies, led by National Security Advisors.
• Introduction of a tech-gateway initiative and financial dialogue.
• Launch of 20 joint fellowships in agricultural research.
• Increase in the contribution of both sides for joint research calls.
• Quota of up to 50,000 Indian workers over the next five years.
• Formation of the India-Israel Academic Cooperation Forum and India-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group.

Condemnation of Terrorism

The leaders of India and Israel strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism. They emphasized the need for decisive international efforts to combat this threat and condemned specific terrorist attacks in both countries.

Defence Cooperation

• Recognition of significant growth in India-Israel defence cooperation in scope and scale.
• Commitment to joint development, joint production, and technology transfer.

Regional and Global Issues

India emphasized its commitment to peace and stability in West Asia, supporting dialogue and peaceful resolutions. The discussions touched upon regional tensions, including those involving the US and Iran. India reiterated the importance of dialogue and peaceful solutions.

Economic and Technological Cooperation

India and Israel aim to enhance economic cooperation, which has been a driver of growth and innovation. The countries plan to finalize a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement and have agreed on the use of UPI in Israel.

Agriculture and Innovation

• Target set for establishing 100 Villages of Excellence to bring Israeli technology to Indian villages, boosting farmer income and productivity.
• Creation of the India-Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture in India.

Manpower and Academic Cooperation

• The 2023 Manpower Mobility Agreement has enhanced India's contribution to Israel's construction and care-giver sectors.
• Expansion of cooperation into commerce and services, establishing the India-Israel Academic Forum.