Published: 28 February 2026PMIndia.gov.in / Al Jazeera / The DiplomatInternational
PM Modi Becomes First Indian PM to Address Israeli Knesset; India-Israel Elevate Ties to 'Special Strategic Partnership' with 27 Bilateral Outcomes
AQuick answer
PM Modi (Feb 25-26, 2026) became the first Indian PM to address the Israeli Knesset, received the Knesset Medal, and elevated India-Israel ties to 'Special Strategic Partnership' with 27 outcomes including a Cyber Centre of Excellence, FTA negotiations, and 50,000 Indian jobs in Israel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day state visit to Israel on February 25-26, 2026, marked a historic milestone in India's foreign policy. Modi addressed the Israeli Knesset (parliament) in Jerusalem — becoming the first Indian Prime Minister ever to do so — and received a standing ovation. He was bestowed with the 'Medal of the Knesset' after his address. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu declared: 'You are more than a friend; you are a brother.'
The two nations elevated their existing 'strategic partnership' to a 'Special Strategic Partnership.' The visit yielded 27 bilateral outcomes: 17 MoUs/agreements and 10 announcements spanning critical and emerging technologies, defence cooperation, labour mobility, agriculture, culture, and education. An Indo-Israel Cyber Centre of Excellence will be set up in India, led by their respective National Security Advisors. The first round of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement concluded successfully in New Delhi, with the next round scheduled for May 2026. The two sides also agreed to facilitate employment of over 50,000 Indian workers in Israel over five years. The visit is seen as a significant diplomatic realignment, with India openly positioning itself closer to the Israel-US strategic axis.
0Mains angle
Q: Analyse the outcomes of PM Modi's February 2026 Israel visit and the upgrade to 'Special Strategic Partnership'.
Answer (50 words):
During PM Modi's 25-26 February 2026 Israel visit, he became the first Indian PM to address the Knesset and received the Knesset Medal. The two nations upgraded ties to 'Special Strategic Partnership' with 27 outcomes: 17 MoUs/agreements and 10 announcements. Deliverables include an Indo-Israel Cyber Centre and 50,000 Indian jobs.
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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 · BothSourcePMIndia.gov.in / Al Jazeera / The Diplomat
Frequently asked questions
What historic parliamentary milestone did PM Modi achieve during his February 2026 Israel visit?
PM Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Knesset (Parliament) on February 25–26, 2026, and was also awarded the prestigious Knesset Medal during the visit.
To what level were India-Israel diplomatic relations elevated in February 2026?
India-Israel ties were elevated to 'Special Strategic Partnership' — the highest diplomatic tier — with 27 bilateral outcomes announced during PM Modi's visit.
What were the key outcomes of PM Modi's February 2026 visit to Israel?
Key outcomes included the establishment of a Cyber Centre of Excellence, launch of Free Trade Agreement negotiations, and an agreement to create 50,000 jobs for Indian workers in Israel.
When did India formally recognise Israel, and when were full diplomatic relations established?
India recognised Israel diplomatically in 1950, but full diplomatic relations were established only in 1992.
What defence cooperation exists between India and Israel?
India and Israel conduct joint military exercises (Exercise Blue Flag), share intelligence on terrorism, and Israel is a leading supplier of defence technology to India including Heron drones, radar systems, and missile defence equipment.
