Special Strategic Partnership, UPI & FTA Talks: PM Modi's Jerusalem Visit Delivers a Historic Diplomatic Breakthrough

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:22pm on 26 Feb 2026,Thursday India Global

India and Israel elevated their bilateral relationship to a "Special Strategic Partnership" during PM Narendra Modi's second state visit to Israel. Following delegation-level talks with PM Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, both nations signed wide-ranging agreements covering trade, agriculture, energy, cyberspace, and digital payments. A landmark agreement was reached for UPI adoption in Israel, while both sides committed to advancing a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement. Modi announced an India-Israel critical and emerging technologies partnership spanning AI, quantum technologies, and critical minerals. Defence cooperation will expand through joint development and military hardware production under a technology transfer framework. Modi also strongly backed the Gaza Peace Initiative, reaffirming India's zero-tolerance stance on terrorism and commitment to Middle East stability.

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