Published: 24 February 2026MEA IndiaGovernance
PM Modi Addresses Israeli Knesset: India-Israel Elevated to 'Special Strategic Partnership'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM to address the Israeli Knesset on February 25, 2026, during a two-day visit to Israel. India and Israel elevated their relationship from 'strategic partnership' to 'special strategic partnership for peace, innovation and prosperity'. A total of 27 bilateral outcomes were announced, including 16 agreements and 11 joint initiatives.
Key outcomes include: fast-tracked FTA negotiations with first round concluded, a November 2025 MoU for joint development and production of military equipment, an Indo-Israel Cyber Centre of Excellence in India, linking India's UPI with Israel's payment system, deployment of 50,000 Indian workers over 5 years, and AI cooperation MoU. One million Indian farmers have been trained across 35 Indo-Israel Centres of Excellence.
0Mains angle
Q: Discuss the strategic and economic significance of India-Israel relations being elevated to a special strategic partnership during PM Modi's Knesset address.
Answer (50 words):
On February 25, 2026, Prime Minister Modi became the first Indian PM to address the Israeli Knesset during a two-day visit, elevating ties to a special strategic partnership for peace, innovation and prosperity. Twenty-seven outcomes include 16 agreements, fast-tracked FTA, UPI linkage, an Indo-Israel Cyber Centre and deployment of 50,000 workers.
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CoverageInternationalSubjectInternationalExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourceMEA India
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Linked questionMedium
Under which theme was the National Textiles Ministers' Conference 2026 held in Guwahati?
Explanation · Correct answer BThe conference theme was 'India's Textiles: Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation' with the guiding ethos 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi'.
Frequently asked questions
What was the significance of **PM Modi addressing the Israeli Knesset**?
**PM Modi** became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the **Israeli Knesset** (parliament), where **India-Israel relations** were elevated to a **'Special Strategic Partnership'**, deepening defence, tech, and economic ties.
What is the **India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership** announced in 2026?
The **India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership** elevates bilateral ties to the highest level, focusing on **defence co-production, cyber security, agricultural technology, water management**, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
What is the **Israeli Knesset** and why is PM Modi's address significant?
The **Knesset** is Israel's unicameral parliament in Jerusalem; **PM Modi's address** was historic as the first by an Indian PM, symbolising the strategic depth and mutual respect of **India-Israel relations**.
What defence cooperation was discussed during **PM Modi's Israel visit**?
**India-Israel defence cooperation** discussions covered **missile systems, UAV technology, anti-drone systems, cyber capabilities**, and expanding co-production under India's **Make in India** defence initiative.
How does the **India-Israel partnership** benefit both countries in **counter-terrorism**?
**India-Israel counter-terrorism** cooperation includes intelligence sharing, **anti-terrorism technology**, training of security forces, and collaboration on border security systems applicable to both countries' security challenges.
