PM Modi and PM Netanyahu hold talks to solidify India-Israel strategic ties
PM Narendra Modi held talks with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to strengthen India-Israel strategic ties in defence, trade, technology, and agriculture. Both sides also discussed IMEC, I2U2 cooperation, and boosting people-to-people links, including Indian workers in Israel
Jerusalem: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held wide-ranging talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, focusing on boosting bilateral ties in defence and security, trade, technology, and agriculture.
The two sides are also expected to deliberate on the prevailing situation in the Middle East.
India and Israel are likely to discuss the implementation of the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and cooperation under the I2U2 framework (India-Israel-UAE-USA).
Ahead of his talks with Netanyahu, PM Modi met Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Both leaders explored ways to enhance cooperation in education, start-ups, innovation, technology, and connectivity, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said regarding the Modi-Herzog meeting.
PM Modi landed in Israel on Wednesday for a two-day visit aimed at giving new momentum to bilateral ties.
It is Modi’s second visit to Israel in nine years. The India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of strategic partnership during Modi’s first visit in July 2017.
India and Israel share a robust strategic partnership with strong cooperation in science and technology, innovation, defence and security, trade and investment, agriculture, water, and people-to-people relations.
There has been an upswing in India-Israel ties in recent years, particularly in defence, scientific research, cybersecurity, and innovation.
Defence cooperation is an important pillar of the partnership, with Israel supplying a variety of military platforms and weapon systems to India.
Trade and investment ties are also showing steady progress. During Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Israel in November, the term of reference (ToR) for launching Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and Israel was signed.
In September, the two sides signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) to expand economic cooperation.
People-to-people ties are another important aspect, with the over 41,000-strong Indian diaspora playing a key role in bilateral engagement.
In November 2023, India and Israel signed a bilateral framework agreement to facilitate the temporary and legal employment of Indian workers in Israel. Since then, 20,000 Indians have arrived in Israel under both the Government-to-Government route and private channels, according to officials.
