New Delhi (India) February 26:As Prime Minister Narendra Modi steadfastly stood by the Gaza peace initiative, on Thursday (February 26, 2026), his government stepped up its relationship with Israel to a special strategic partnership by promising to solidify soon a mutually beneficial free trade deal.
After the end of delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a number of economic, security and diplomatic agreements were signed by India and Israel. 

Key Agreements Signed

India and Israel signed 17 contracts and documents, and a series of initiatives to boost cooperation across sectors including artificial intelligence, trade, investment, education, manufacturing, culture, maritime heritage and agriculture.
Both sides also agreed to solidify their defense bond further by vowing to promote joint development and joint production of military hardware, particularly advanced technology transfer. 

Modi Pays Tribute at Yad Vashem

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his respects at Yad Vashem-Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust in Jerusalem. PMs Benjamin Netanyahu and Modi stood in silence in the Hall of Remembrance, with Kaddish recitations on, paying tribute to victims of the Holocaust. It was about respect, remembrance and hope for peace and humanity.
Yad Vashem is Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, in Jerusalem. Founded in 1953, it is tasked with keeping the memory of the six million Jews killed by the Nazis and their collaborators during World War II. 

FTA Talks Advance Rapidly

India and Israel in May will follow by the next round of talks on the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), after the first round of talks is finalized on Thursday. The opening session spanned February 23 to 26 in New Delhi. The next round will happen in Israel.
Both sides will ensure the formal rounds are supplemented by virtual engagements to keep the momentum going with discussions.
“During the four-day negotiations, both countries engaged in discussions covering a wide range of areas, including trade in goods and services, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, customs procedures, intellectual property rights, digital trade, and other key chapters,” an official statement said.

Backing IMEC and Anti-Terror Stance

The two sides have agreed to work closely for the implementation of the Indian-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC) and I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA) projects in particular following talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Mr. Modi said. He reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is still unacceptable.
“Peace and stability in West Asia are directly linked to India’s security interests. Therefore, from the very beginning, we have supported dialogue and a peaceful resolution of issues. This is the call of the Global South and of humanity as a whole,” said Modi.