Jerusalem: India and Israel have upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership and agreed to expedite negotiations on a long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jerusalem.
The decision to fast-track the FTA reflects a shared commitment to strengthening economic ties and expanding cooperation across sectors. Officials indicated that both countries aim to conclude discussions on the trade pact at the earliest.
During the visit, India and Israel signed 17 agreements covering a wide range of areas, including artificial intelligence, trade, defence, technology, agriculture, education and culture. The agreements are intended to deepen collaboration and institutionalise partnerships in priority sectors.
The elevation of ties to a Special Strategic Partnership marks a further step in the evolving relationship between the two nations. Both sides underscored their intention to enhance cooperation in strategic and emerging fields.
A key focus of the discussions was defence collaboration. India and Israel agreed to intensify joint development initiatives and promote technology transfer. Officials said this approach would strengthen defence capabilities and facilitate greater exchange of expertise between the two countries.
In addition to defence and trade, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies featured prominently in the agreements signed. The pacts are designed to encourage innovation and knowledge-sharing, while also expanding commercial opportunities.
The two sides also agreed to enable the use of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Israel. The arrangement is expected to facilitate digital transactions and enhance financial connectivity between businesses and individuals in both countries.
Agriculture, education and cultural cooperation were among the other sectors included in the 17 agreements. The initiatives aim to broaden engagement at multiple levels, including research collaboration, academic exchanges and people-to-people ties.
Officials noted that accelerating the Free Trade Agreement negotiations is a priority for both governments. The proposed FTA is expected to address tariff reductions, market access and measures to promote bilateral trade.
The visit highlighted the growing convergence of interests between India and Israel in areas ranging from technology and innovation to defence and economic cooperation. The signing of multiple agreements reflects efforts to expand collaboration beyond traditional sectors.
By elevating ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, the two countries signalled their intention to further institutionalise cooperation and align strategic priorities. The agreements signed during the visit are expected to provide a framework for sustained engagement in the coming years.
Further discussions on the Free Trade Agreement are anticipated as negotiators work toward finalising the pact. Both governments expressed optimism about advancing the trade agenda alongside broader strategic cooperation.
