India, Israel elevate ties to Special Strategic partnership: PM Modi

India and Israel have elevated their relationship to a 'Special Strategic Partnership,' PM Narendra Modi announced in Jerusalem. The historic decision aims to give new direction and speed to ties based on deep trust and shared democratic values.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that India and Israel have decided to elevate their ties to the level of Special Strategic partnership. He further noted how the discussions between focussed on giving a new direction and speed to the ties between the two countries.

India-Israel Ties Elevated to Special Strategic Partnership

Addressing a joint press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Netanyahu for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation. Referring to being conferred the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, PM Modi said he dedicates the honour to 140 crore Indians and to the enduring friendship between India and Israel.

He said, "Our relationship is based on a strong foundation of deep trust, shared democratic values... Our ties have stood the test of times. Today, we have taken the historic decision to elevate our time-tested partnership to the status of a Special Strategic Partnership. This decision reflects the vision of both countries."

Expanding Areas of Cooperation

"We will soon give final shape to a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement," PM said.

"We have decided to establish a critical and emerging technology partnership. I am happy that an agreement has been signed for the use of UPI in Israel. We will further our work in civil nuclear energy and space fields. Together, we will develop future-ready farming solutions. We will work on creating villages of excellence," he said.

Joint Stance on Terrorism and Strategic Initiatives

PM Modi further noted how the meeting today saw discussions to give the cooperation a new direction and accelerate momentum. PM Modi said, "India and Israel are clear that there is no place for terrorism in the world. Terrorism cannot be accepted in any form. We will continue to fight against terrorism and its supporters...We will proceed together on IMEC and I2U2..."

Netanyahu Hails PM Modi's Visit

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that India and Israel have decided to hold a government-to-government (G2G) meeting in India at the earliest opportunity, adding that he looks forward to bringing the distinguished ministers present for the engagement.

Addressing the joint press breiefing Netanyahu hailed the visit by PM Modi and underlined how the two brilliant talent of the two countries can come together. "The meeting of minds and hearts that we have had here will continue", he added.

Key Collaborations and Agreements

The historic meeting between PM Modi and PM Netanyahu saw collaborations on the fronts of high-tech artificial intelligence, quantum computing, economic, diplomatic and security collaboration. These included MoUs on geophysical exploration, development of national maritime heritage complex in Lothal, fisheries and aquaculture and the declaration of intent in the field of horizon scanning among others.

A Historic Visit

PM Modi and his Israeli counterpart Netanyahu held high-level delegation-level talks in Jerusalem today, marking a significant moment in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

PM Modi was met with a standing ovation at the Israeli Knesset yesterday shortly after his arrival in Tel Aviv for a two-day state visit to Israel. He is the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, marking his second visit to Israel in a decade, after his 2017 trip. (ANI)

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