NEWS DESK (MNN); Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that India and Israel will enhance cooperation in defence technology and work towards finalising a free trade agreement, as he wrapped up a two-day visit to Israel.
At a joint press conference in Jerusalem, Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said both nations would expand collaboration in areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and advanced innovation. More than a dozen bilateral agreements were concluded during the visit, covering economic, security and diplomatic cooperation.
Netanyahu said both countries were proud ancient civilisations determined to shape the future through innovation, adding that Israel and India could achieve more together. A joint statement also highlighted cooperation in “horizon scanning” to identify emerging global trends in technology, economy and society through data-driven analysis.
Israel agreed to allow 50,000 additional Indian workers into the country, where thousands are already employed in construction and caregiving sectors following new restrictions on Palestinian labourers after the Gaza conflict began.
Modi’s visit, his second since taking office in 2014, has sparked criticism in India amid the ongoing war in Gaza, which has reportedly claimed more than 72,000 Palestinian lives. The joint statement referred to the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack on Israel and an April 2025 attack in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, underscoring shared concerns over terrorism.
“Terrorism cannot be accepted in any form,” Modi said, stressing that both countries would stand shoulder to shoulder against it. He added that humanity must not become a victim of conflict and reiterated India’s support for efforts aimed at durable peace and regional stability.
Earlier this month, India joined other nations in criticising Israeli measures seen as deepening control over the occupied West Bank. At the same time, both sides welcomed United States President Donald Trump’s initiative aimed at advancing a ceasefire in Gaza.
Talks on an India-Israel Free Trade Agreement began in New Delhi earlier this week. According to the Indian government, bilateral merchandise trade reached $3.62 billion in 2024-2025.
During the visit, Modi also met Israeli President Isaac Herzog, describing their discussions as fruitful and wide-ranging. Netanyahu’s office confirmed that several agreements would be signed to further strengthen ties between the two countries.
