Elevating ‘time-tested’ partnership with Israel is a ‘historic decision,’ says Indian PM Modi in joint statement with Netanyahu

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to Israel yesterday with a joint statement alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During the ceremony, 16 Memorandums of Understanding were signed to strengthen bilateral relations.

The agreements, signed by the respective foreign ministers, cover cooperation in culture, innovation, and agriculture – including the use of civil drones, the sharing of satellite data, and the transfer of agricultural technology expertise. 

Additionally, a memorandum was signed to establish an agricultural R&D center in India, which will facilitate instructor training, expert exchanges, and academic collaboration.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opened the joint statement by praising the visit. “There wasn't a dry eye left in Israel after your moving statement yesterday in the Knesset," he said, standing alongside Modi. 

Calling Israel and India “proud ancient civilizations” determined to seize the future, Netanyahu added: “We have decided to have a G2G [government-to-government] meeting in India. As soon as we can arrange it."

Netanyahu went on to express gratitude for what he called a “great personal debt” he owed to India, recounting: “I met Sarah for the first time, I think our first or second date was in an Indian restaurant,” and “the food was unbelievable.”

Modi thanked Netanyahu for the warm welcome extended to him and the Indian delegation, adding, "I had the privilege of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel. Once again, setting foot on the historic land of Israel is a moment of pride and deep emotion for me. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to address Israel's Parliament, the Knesset. I was also honoured with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal.”

Modi continued: "This friendship is built on a deep foundation of democratic and human values. Our ties have stood the test of time. Today we made a historic decision to elevate our longstanding partnership to a special strategic partnership, symbolizing the aspirations of our two peoples."

Yesterday, addressing the Knesset plenum, Modi offered condolences on behalf of the Indian people for the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre. “We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel – firmly, with full conviction,” he said, emphasizing that India has an “uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism.”

Modi also touched on the Abraham Accords, stating that India supports all peace efforts, applauding Israel’s “courage and vision.” 

“The road to peace is not always easy. But India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region,” he added.

“Israel is a powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership," Modi said, noting that both countries are working to negotiate “an ambitious Free Trade Agreement,” that will “unlock the vast untapped potential” in their trade relationship.

Following the speech, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana awarded Modi the "Medal of the Knesset," marking the first time the honor has been bestowed in the Israeli Parliament's history. Ohana’s office stated the award expresses "appreciation and recognition for individuals and organizations for their significant contribution to the State of Israel and the Jewish people."

This marked Modi’s second visit to the country; his 2017 trip was the first-ever official visit to Israel by an Indian Prime Minister.

Welcoming Modi to Jerusalem as a “dear friend,” Netanyahu hailed the bond between their nations in his opening remarks.

“India is a giant power of one and a half billion people. Israel is a bit smaller. But Israel is a giant too,” said Netanyahu. 

“The alliance between us is a massive multiplier of the strengths of each of our countries,” he said, adding that the two “ancient civilizations” were now deepening their “profound alliance.”

“We created an open alliance,” Netanyahu emphasized. “No less than that, both our countries are at the peak of their power. Israel is stronger than ever, and India is stronger than ever!”

The visit was not without domestic political friction. The Yesh Atid party announced its MKs would attend Modi's speech but boycott the remainder of the special session involving Netanyahu and Ohana. This was in protest of Ohana's refusal to invite the Supreme Court President, Isaac Amit, to the event. 

“We will only return for the Indian prime minister’s speech to respect the alliance between the countries and express our appreciation for Prime Minister Modi’s standing by Israel,” the statement added.

The Blue and White faction boycotted only Ohana’s speech, not Netanyahu’s.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid expressed to Modi that the matter has nothing to do with him, adding: “The entire State of Israel is filled with admiration [for] your leadership, [for] your friendship, [for] the fact that you were here for us in our time of trouble.”

To fill the empty seats of boycotting opposition members, Ohana invited former Knesset members to sit in the opposition benches. As Modi began his address, the former members vacated the seats for the returning opposition members.

Upon landing in Israel, Modi tweeted: "Deeply touched by the warm welcome extended by my friend, PM Netanyahu. May the India-Israel friendship continue to soar higher!"