Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two-day visit to Israel (February 26–27, 2026), marking a significant upgrade in bilateral relations with Benjamin Netanyahu. Joint statements were presented by the leaders of both nations on February 27, 2026, elevating ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership.”
This development signals a shift toward deeper strategic alignment across defence, advanced technology, and economic integration.
Key Agreements and Announcements (February 27, 2026)
- Defence Cooperation: From Buyer to Co-Developer
- India and Israel agreed to expand defence ties beyond procurement into joint development and co-production.
Core areas include Missile systems and air defence, Unmanned systems (drones) Intelligence sharing and operational coordination.
This aligns with India’s push for domestic manufacturing and technological self-reliance.
Artificial Intelligence Partnership: A New Strategic Pillar
A major highlight was the launch of structured cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI).
Planned collaboration includes:
- Joint research programs
- Start-up ecosystem partnerships
- Cross-sector applications in defence, healthcare, agriculture, and cybersecurity
This positions the partnership firmly in the future-tech domain.
Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Renewed Momentum
Both countries committed to increasing negotiations toward a long-pending Free Trade Agreement.
Expected impact:
- Lower tariffs and trade barriers
- Expansion of bilateral trade ($10 billion currently, excluding defence)
- Greater access for goods, services, and technology
Broader Economic and Innovation Cooperation
Additional cooperation areas discussed across February 26–27, 2026 include:
- Water management and agricultural technology
- Innovation exchanges and start-up collaboration
- Technology transfer frameworks
Strategic Significance
- Elevation to “Special Strategic Partnership”
- The upgrade places Israel among India’s top-tier strategic partners, reflecting:
- Long-term security cooperation
- Deepening technological integration
- Expanding economic ties
- Shift in Defence Doctrine
It is certain that India is transitioning from importer of defence systems to co-developer and producer.
Israel plays an important role in this transformation due to its advanced defence technology ecosystem.
Technology-Centric Diplomacy
The inclusion of AI signals a broader shift toward:
- Digital cooperation
- Innovation-driven partnerships
- Dual-use technologies
Diplomatic Context: India’s Middle East Balancing
The visit comes amid a complex geopolitical landscape where India had to also maintain energy and economic relationships with Gulf nations and Iran. This reflects a multi-alignment strategy, where India has cautiously maintained neutral stance with regards to choosing sides while maximizing strategic benefits.
Key Timeline
February 26, 2026: Modi arrives in Israel; bilateral talks begin
February 26–27, 2026: Delegation-level discussions and strategic consultations
February 27, 2026: Joint statement issued; partnership elevated
Consolidated Deal Brief
- Defence
- Joint development and co-production
- Expanded cooperation in drones, missiles, and air defence
- Artificial Intelligence
- Joint R&D initiatives
- Start-up and innovation ecosystem collaboration
- Trade
- Expansion of bilateral trade and investment
- Economic & Tech Cooperation
- Agriculture and water technology
- Innovation partnerships
With clearly defined timelines and strategic priorities, the India–Israel partnership is evolving into a multi-dimensional alliance—combining defence capability, technological innovation, and economic cooperation.
The elevation to a “Special Strategic Partnership” is not just symbolic—it lays the groundwork for long-term strategic convergence in an increasingly complex global order.
More on the India – Israel relationship:
Israel Moves High-Tech Defence Manufacturing to India: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/israel-moves-high-tech-defence-manufacturing-to-india/
India–Israel Defence Pact 2025: Boosting Make in India, Joint Production, and Military Technology Sharing: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/india-israel-defence-pact-2025-boosting-make-in-india-joint-production-and-military-technology-sharing/
