Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day state visit to Israel has brought a big improvement in the relationship between India and Israel. During this visit, PM Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced many new plans and agreements that show both countries want to work much more closely together in the years ahead. In a joint press briefing, both leaders explained the new areas of cooperation and how these initiatives will benefit both nations economically, technologically, and strategically.

At the press briefing, PM Modi said something important about the new direction of the relationship. He said, “We have taken a historic decision to give our time-tested relationship the status of special strategic partnership. This is a reflection of the aspirations of both the nations.” This means the two countries will not just cooperate as friendly nations, but as partners with shared goals in key areas like security, trade, and innovation.

One of the main areas of cooperation is defence. India and Israel agreed to work together to develop and build weapons, strengthen their military ties and boost defence cooperation so both countries are better prepared for security threats. This defence cooperation includes joint manufacturing and the transfer of technology.

Countries announced that India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will start working in Israel for easy and fast transactions. PM Modi highlighted this step as part of broader cooperation in digital technology. He said, "We have decided to establish a critical and emerging technology partnership. I am happy that an agreement has been signed for the use of UPI in Israel." This move is expected to help small and big businesses, tourists, and residents in Israel who rely on digital payments, and it also strengthens India’s position in global financial technology.

The two sides said they are working to finalise a bilateral free trade deal soon. This agreement would reduce trade barriers, increase exports and imports, and support businesses in both countries. Countries plan to expand cooperation under the I2U2 initiative, which includes India, Israel, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates working together on regional development projects.

India and Israel will also collaborate in the energy sector, including nuclear energy, which is seen as a cleaner and more efficient power source. This cooperation is expected to boost energy security and access to clean technology for both countries. Both nations agreed to work together in space exploration and related technologies. This includes satellite development and research in areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, and climate technology.

PM Modi and Netanyahu also emphasised working together in fields like education and innovation to increase youth and student exchanges between India and Israel. PM Modi praised Israeli technology in water management and agriculture as something India could adopt widely. President Isaac Herzog of Israel also spoke about these opportunities. He called the collaboration a “golden opportunity” for Indian and Israeli students to work together in innovation and research.

During his visit, PM Modi also took time for symbolic gestures that strengthened goodwill. He visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre, and laid a wreath in memory of the victims. Modi received the Speaker’s Medal from the Israeli Parliament (the Knesset), which showed trust and friendship between both nations. He also participated in “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, planting a tree in the Presidential Gardens, and invited President Herzog to visit India.

An important part of this visit was the technology exhibition, where both countries highlighted the latest innovations. These included advanced technologies in artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare solutions, quantum computing, smart mobility and cybersecurity, water and agricultural tech, climate biotechnology, and space systems such as small satellites and satellite imaging technologies. These technologies show how both nations can work together in scientific research and practical solutions that benefit people in everyday life.

PM Modi’s visit to Israel marked a big step in strengthening India-Israel relations. From defence and digital payments with UPI to trade, energy, space, technology, and education, the partnership between both countries is growing in depth and scale. Leaders from both sides are optimistic that these plans will bring shared growth, security, and innovation in the coming years.