During the Prime Minister’s visit to Israel from February 25 to 26, 2026, India and Israel significantly expanded their strategic partnership through a wide range of agreements, memoranda of understanding (MoUs), and forward-looking announcements. The outcomes reflect deepening cooperation across technology, agriculture, trade, education, culture, finance, labor mobility, and emerging technologies.

A key agreement focused on cooperation in geophysical exploration, enhancing collaboration in mineral exploration through advanced geophysical methods and artificial intelligence (AI). The partnership aims to promote data sharing, investment, and sustainable resource development. In the maritime domain, the two sides signed an MoU for the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, fostering collaboration in exhibitions, research, publications, and maritime heritage expertise.

Cultural ties were strengthened through a Cultural Exchange Programme for 2026 to 2029, promoting exchanges in music, theatre, visual arts, dance, festivals, workshops, and expert visits. In the financial technology space, an MoU between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Israel’s Automated Banking Services (MASAV) enables cross-border remittances via India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), advancing digital payment connectivity.

Agricultural cooperation received a major boost with the establishment of the India & Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture (IICA) under ICAR and MASHAV. The Centre will focus on precision farming, satellite-based irrigation, advanced machinery, integrated pest management, germplasm exchange, post-harvest solutions, demonstrations, and capacity-building. A Declaration of Intent on Horizon Scanning was also adopted to strengthen strategic foresight, risk assessment, and technology planning through joint research and AI-driven tools.

In fisheries and aquaculture, a new MoU promotes sustainable, technology-driven practices covering advanced systems, disease management, mariculture, seaweed cultivation, research and development, training, innovation, and a potential Centre of Excellence. Financial sector collaboration was enhanced through cooperation between India’s International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) and the Israel Securities Authority (ISA), focusing on fintech, regtech, information exchange, and best practices.

Three implementation protocols on labour mobility were signed, covering the commerce and services, manufacturing, and restaurant sectors. These agreements provide regulated channels for Indian workers in industries such as retail, logistics, warehousing, food processing, textiles, metals, electronics, chemicals, and hospitality, expanding employment opportunities in Israel.

Artificial Intelligence emerged as a major pillar of cooperation. One MoU promotes AI integration in education through innovative pedagogy, teacher development, regulatory frameworks, equitable access, research exchange, and AI data literacy. Another MoU supports broader AI collaboration, including ethical AI development, civilian applications, academic research, capacity building, and public & private partnerships.

Legal and business cooperation was strengthened through an agreement between the Israeli Institute of Commercial Arbitration and the Indian Council of Arbitration to enhance arbitration and mediation expertise. The fourth India & Israel CEO Forum report was presented, offering recommendations to align policies with industry trends, boost public & private collaboration, and support informed economic decision-making.

Academic cooperation expanded through an MoU between Nalanda University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, promoting faculty and student exchanges in disciplines such as Buddhist studies, archaeology, mathematics, and international relations. A Letter of Intent was also signed to establish an Indo & Israel Cyber Centre of Excellence in India to showcase cybersecurity best practices and emerging technologies.

In addition, several major announcements were made, including elevating the bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership; upgrading the Joint Committee on Science and Technology to the ministerial level; launching collaboration in critical and emerging technologies; introducing a financial dialogue and a Tech-Gateway initiative; expanding joint agricultural fellowships; increasing contributions to joint research calls; facilitating the movement of up to 50,000 Indian workers over five years; and strengthening parliamentary and academic engagement mechanisms.

Overall, the visit marked a comprehensive deepening of India & Israel ties across strategic, economic, technological, and people-to-people dimensions.

Key Outcomes of the Prime Minister’s Visit to Israel (February 25 to 26, 2026)