Jerusalem: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reaffirmed India’s support for a peace plan aimed at stabilising Gaza, while emphasising that New Delhi and Israel will continue to work closely to combat terrorism.
Speaking during a joint press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Modi said both nations stand firmly united against terrorism and those who support it.
He stressed that India and Israel share a clear position that terrorism has no place in the world and that cooperation between the two countries in counter-terror efforts will continue to grow stronger.
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UPI Use in Israel and Trade Talks Progress
During the briefing, Modi also announced that both sides have agreed to introduce the Unified Payments Interface system in Israel, enabling easier digital transactions and financial cooperation.
The initiative will involve collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India, which manages India’s widely used digital payment infrastructure.
In addition, the two countries are working towards finalising a mutually beneficial free trade agreement aimed at boosting trade and investment. Modi described the decision to upgrade India-Israel relations to a “special strategic partnership” as a historic step reflecting the ambitions of both nations.
Talks Focus on Security, Technology and Trade
Earlier in the day, Modi and Netanyahu held extensive discussions covering a wide range of sectors, including defence, security, trade, agriculture, and advanced technologies.
The leaders also reviewed regional developments and explored cooperation under the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor, a proposed connectivity project linking Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Another area of discussion included the I2U2 framework, which promotes collaboration between India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the United States in areas such as food security, innovation and infrastructure.
Meeting with Israeli President
Before his meeting with Netanyahu, Modi held talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, where both leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in innovation, education, start-ups and technology.
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During the visit, Modi was also honoured with the Knesset Speaker’s Medal, which he dedicated to the people of India and the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Strategic Partnership Continues to Grow
Relations between India and Israel have steadily deepened in recent years, particularly in defence cooperation, scientific research, cybersecurity and innovation.
Israel remains one of India’s key defence partners, supplying a range of military platforms and advanced technologies. At the same time, bilateral trade and investment ties have also expanded, supported by new economic agreements and ongoing negotiations for a free trade pact.
Officials say Modi’s visit is expected to give further momentum to the strategic partnership and open new avenues for cooperation across multiple sectors.