27 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express

4 min

International RelationsNEWS

India and Israel Strengthen Ties with New Bilateral Agreements

India and Israel sign agreements to enhance cooperation in various sectors.

India and Israel have elevated their relationship to a 'Special Strategic Partnership' following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit on February 26, 2026, during which 16 agreements were signed across sectors including technology, agriculture, and defense. This upgrade signifies a deepening of ties built on trust, shared democratic values, and human sensitivities. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding defense collaboration, including joint development and production of military hardware under a framework for technology transfer.

Prime Minister Modi announced the launch of an India-Israel partnership focusing on critical and emerging technologies, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and critical minerals. An agreement was also reached to enable the use of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) in Israel, facilitating digital payments between the two countries. Israel has also agreed to allow 50,000 more Indian nationals into the country to fill construction and caregiving jobs.

Both leaders addressed the shared challenge of terrorism, emphasizing their united stance against it in all forms. They also discussed progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and cooperation under the I2U2 framework, which includes India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States. Modi reiterated India’s support for the Gaza Peace Initiative, emphasizing that humanity must not become a victim of conflict.

This elevation of ties to a Special Strategic Partnership is crucial for India's geopolitical strategy in the Middle East and its pursuit of technological advancement. It is relevant for UPSC exams, particularly in GS Paper II (International Relations) and GS Paper III (Science and Technology, Economy).

Key Facts

India and Israel have signed agreements to strengthen bilateral relations.

The agreements cover technology, agriculture, and defense.

The aim is to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Leaders from both nations are committed to enhancing the strategic partnership.

The agreements are expected to boost economic growth.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: International Relations - Bilateral relations, strategic partnerships

GS Paper III: Science and Technology - Cooperation in emerging technologies

GS Paper III: Economy - Trade agreements, economic corridors

Potential questions on the significance of the 'Special Strategic Partnership' and its implications for India's foreign policy.

In Simple Words

India and Israel are becoming better friends. They've signed deals to work together on things like new tech, farming, and protecting themselves. This means they'll share ideas and help each other grow.

India Angle

For India, this could mean farmers get access to better irrigation technology from Israel, helping them grow more crops with less water. It could also mean more jobs in tech and defense as companies from both countries work together.

For Instance

Think of it like two friends sharing their skills. One friend is good at cooking, the other at fixing cars. They help each other out, and both become better overall.

This partnership can bring new technologies and opportunities to India, improving the lives of everyday people by boosting the economy and creating jobs.

Stronger ties between India and Israel mean more opportunities and growth for both countries.

India and Israel have signed several agreements to strengthen their bilateral relations. The agreements cover areas such as technology, agriculture, and defense. These agreements aim to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing between the two countries.

The leaders of both nations expressed their commitment to further enhancing the strategic partnership. The agreements are expected to boost economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses and individuals in both India and Israel. The partnership between India and Israel is based on shared values and mutual interests.

Expert Analysis

The elevation of India-Israel ties to a 'Special Strategic Partnership' signifies more than just diplomatic language; it reflects concrete advancements in various sectors. The key concepts underpinning this strengthened relationship include enhanced technology cooperation, defense collaboration, and economic integration.

The India-Israel partnership on Critical and Emerging Technologies aims to foster collaboration in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and critical minerals. This partnership, announced during PM Modi's visit, seeks to leverage the strengths of both nations in innovation and technological development. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the specific areas of collaboration (AI, quantum computing, critical minerals) is crucial, as these align with India's broader goals of technological self-reliance and economic growth.

Defense Collaboration is a cornerstone of the strategic partnership. The agreement to advance joint development and production of military hardware under a framework for technology transfer signifies a move beyond traditional arms sales. This aspect is particularly relevant for UPSC, as it touches upon India's indigenization efforts in defense manufacturing and its broader strategic autonomy objectives. Questions may arise on the specific technologies being jointly developed and their implications for India's defense capabilities.

UPI Integration in Israel represents a significant step towards economic integration and digital connectivity. The agreement to enable the use of UPI in Israel will facilitate seamless digital payments between the two countries, benefiting businesses and individuals alike. For UPSC, this highlights India's growing influence in the global digital payments landscape and its efforts to promote financial inclusion. Aspirants should be aware of the technical aspects of UPI and its potential for cross-border transactions.

The I2U2 Framework, involving India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States, is another crucial element of this partnership. This grouping focuses on cooperation in areas such as water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security. Understanding the objectives and activities of I2U2 is important for UPSC, as it reflects India's proactive engagement in multilateral initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges and promoting regional stability.

Visual Insights

India-Israel Strategic Partnership: Key Locations

This map highlights India and Israel, emphasizing their strengthened ties and areas of collaboration.

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📍India📍Israel

More Information

Background

India and Israel established full diplomatic relations in 1992, although informal ties existed long before. The initial focus was on defense cooperation, particularly in the face of shared security threats. This relationship has gradually expanded to include agriculture, technology, and trade. Key milestones in the India-Israel relationship include Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's visit to India in 2003, the first by an Israeli Prime Minister, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel in 2017, the first by an Indian Prime Minister. These visits signaled a deepening of ties and a willingness to engage in closer cooperation across various sectors. The current elevation to a 'Special Strategic Partnership' builds upon this foundation. The I2U2 framework, established in 2021, further strengthens the strategic partnership by bringing together India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States to collaborate on joint projects in various sectors. This framework provides a platform for addressing common challenges and promoting regional stability.

Latest Developments

In recent years, India and Israel have focused on expanding their cooperation in technology and innovation. This includes joint research and development projects, as well as initiatives to promote startups and entrepreneurship. The emphasis on critical and emerging technologies reflects a shared recognition of their importance for future economic growth and national security. The Indian government has actively promoted closer ties with Israel, viewing it as a key partner in areas such as defense, agriculture, and technology. This policy is driven by a desire to diversify India's strategic partnerships and to leverage Israel's expertise in innovation and technology. The recent agreement to allow more Indian workers into Israel also reflects a pragmatic approach to addressing labor shortages. Looking ahead, India and Israel are expected to continue deepening their cooperation across various sectors. The focus will likely remain on technology, defense, and trade, with an emphasis on joint projects and initiatives that promote mutual benefit. The implementation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) could further enhance economic ties between the two countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What specific aspects of this India-Israel agreement are most likely to be tested in the Prelims exam, and what would be a common trap?

The focus on 'critical and emerging technologies' is highly testable. UPSC might ask about specific technologies mentioned, such as AI, quantum technologies, and critical minerals. A common trap would be to assume the agreement focuses *solely* on defense, overlooking the significant technology and agriculture components.

Exam Tip

Remember the acronym 'AQC' – Artificial intelligence, Quantum technologies, Critical minerals – to recall the tech focus. Don't fall for distractors emphasizing only defense cooperation.

2. How does this 'Special Strategic Partnership' differ from a regular strategic partnership, and why is the upgrade significant now?

A 'Special Strategic Partnership' implies a deeper level of trust, more frequent high-level engagements, and a commitment to cooperation across a broader range of sensitive areas, including technology transfer and joint defense projects. The upgrade is significant now because it reflects the growing convergence of strategic interests between India and Israel, particularly in countering shared security threats and promoting technological innovation.

3. What are the potential benefits and risks for India in deepening its defense collaboration with Israel, especially concerning technology transfer?

Benefits include access to advanced Israeli defense technologies, increased domestic defense production through joint ventures, and enhanced security cooperation. Risks include potential dependence on Israeli technology, concerns about the suitability of Israeli equipment for Indian conditions, and the possibility of alienating other partners who may view the relationship with suspicion.

•Access to cutting-edge defense tech
•Boost to 'Make in India' initiative
•Potential geopolitical friction

4. How does this agreement align with India's broader foreign policy objectives, particularly concerning its relationship with other Middle Eastern countries?

This agreement aligns with India's objective of diversifying its strategic partnerships and strengthening its technological capabilities. While deepening ties with Israel, India also maintains strong relationships with other Middle Eastern countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, emphasizing its commitment to a balanced and multi-aligned foreign policy. The I2U2 framework, involving India, Israel, the US, and the UAE, exemplifies this approach.

5. Considering the focus on technology, how might this partnership impact India's digital economy and its efforts to promote innovation?

The partnership could significantly boost India's digital economy by facilitating technology transfer, promoting joint research and development, and fostering collaboration between Indian and Israeli startups. Access to Israeli expertise in areas like AI and quantum computing could accelerate India's innovation ecosystem and enhance its competitiveness in the global digital market.

6. If a Mains question asks to 'Critically examine the deepening India-Israel relationship,' what key arguments should be included in a balanced answer?

A balanced answer should acknowledge the benefits of the relationship, such as enhanced defense capabilities, access to advanced technology, and strengthened counter-terrorism cooperation. However, it should also address potential drawbacks, including the impact on relations with other Middle Eastern countries, concerns about human rights issues, and the risk of over-reliance on a single strategic partner. The conclusion should offer a nuanced assessment of the overall impact and future prospects of the relationship.

Exam Tip

Structure your answer with an introduction outlining the relationship's evolution, followed by sections on benefits, drawbacks, and a balanced conclusion. Use examples to illustrate your points.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the 'Special Strategic Partnership' between India and Israel: 1. It primarily focuses on cultural exchange and tourism. 2. It includes collaboration in critical and emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing. 3. It aims to enhance defense cooperation through joint development and production of military hardware. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The 'Special Strategic Partnership' goes beyond cultural exchange and tourism, focusing on technology, defense, and economic cooperation. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The partnership includes collaboration in critical and emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing, as announced during PM Modi's visit. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The partnership aims to enhance defense cooperation through joint development and production of military hardware, with a framework for technology transfer.

2. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)?

A.It involves India, the Middle East, and Europe.
B.It aims to enhance economic cooperation and connectivity.
C.It was a key topic of discussion during PM Modi's visit to Israel in 2026.
D.It primarily focuses on military cooperation and defense agreements.

Show Answer

Answer: D

Option D is INCORRECT: The IMEC primarily focuses on economic cooperation and connectivity, not military cooperation and defense agreements. While security considerations may be relevant, the main objective is to enhance trade and infrastructure links between India, the Middle East, and Europe.

3. In the context of the India-Israel 'Special Strategic Partnership', what is the significance of the agreement regarding UPI?

A.It facilitates cultural exchange programs.
B.It enhances defense technology transfer.
C.It enables seamless digital payments between the two countries.
D.It promotes joint agricultural research.

Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is CORRECT: The agreement regarding UPI enables seamless digital payments between India and Israel, benefiting businesses and individuals by facilitating cross-border transactions.

4. Which of the following countries are part of the I2U2 group?

A.India, Israel, UAE, USA
B.India, Iran, UK, USA
C.Italy, Israel, UK, USA
D.India, Iraq, UK, USA

Show Answer

Answer: A

Option A is CORRECT: The I2U2 group includes India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States. This grouping focuses on cooperation in areas such as water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.