New Delhi [India], February 23 (ANI): Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar on Monday said Israel is looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week, expressing optimism that the two countries could finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) this year.
In a video message shared on X, Azar described the visit as a significant moment for bilateral relations, emphasizing that India and Israel are moving toward deeper cooperation across multiple sectors.
“This is an exciting moment for India-Israel relations. We are looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel. When India and Israel come together, it’s never just a meeting. It’s a partnership built on trust, powered by innovation, and guided by a clear understanding of the challenges of our time,” Azar said.
He noted that security and defense would be a key focus of the visit, with plans to update existing agreements to allow greater collaboration on sensitive projects and joint technological development.
“India and Israel have worked closely for years, and we are proud of this strong cooperation. But the world is changing fast, and so are the threats. In order to meet them, we will deepen our defense relationship by updating our security agreements. This will allow us to engage in more sensitive projects and develop together logical solutions,” he said.
Azar also highlighted the growing economic partnership between the two nations, stating that negotiations toward a Free Trade Agreement are progressing and could be finalized this year. He added that Israel is keen to see greater participation from Indian infrastructure companies and enhanced financial cooperation.
“Third, the visit will be crucial in forging partnerships in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and cyber. Israel would like to see Indian infrastructure companies coming to Israel. We want to streamline our financial cooperation and promote innovation. Other crucial fields like transportation, water, agriculture, and academic cooperation will also be advanced,” Azar said.
This will mark Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to Israel in nine years. During his first visit from July 4 to 6, 2017, bilateral ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently described Modi as a “dear friend” and called his upcoming visit a milestone in bilateral relations. In response, Modi reaffirmed India’s strong commitment to its partnership with Israel, emphasizing shared values of trust, innovation, and progress.
Netanyahu stated that Modi is scheduled to address the Knesset, participate in an innovation event in Jerusalem, and visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to Holocaust victims. The leaders are also expected to advance cooperation in high-tech sectors, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
India and Israel maintain a robust strategic partnership encompassing defense, trade, science and technology, agriculture, water management, and innovation. Defense cooperation remains a cornerstone of bilateral relations, supported by multiple agreements and joint initiatives.
In November 2025, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation, strengthening military and technological collaboration. That same month, the Terms of Reference for launching FTA negotiations were signed, laying the groundwork for deeper economic integration.
The partnership also extends to agriculture and innovation. Israel has supported India through Centers of Excellence across multiple states, promoting advanced farming techniques, irrigation systems, and water management technologies.
India and Israel are also members of the I2U2 group, which includes the United States and the United Arab Emirates, focusing on collaboration in food security, renewable energy, trade, and infrastructure development.
With ongoing high-level engagement, expanding economic ties, and strong strategic alignment, both countries are positioning themselves to significantly deepen cooperation across defense, technology, and trade in the coming years. (ANI)
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