JERUSALEM (AP) — During the final day of his two-day diplomatic mission to Israel, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi committed his nation to continued partnership with Israel in “opposing terrorism and its supporters” while emphasizing expanded cooperation on defense and security matters.
The nations also revealed plans to explore negotiations for a potential free trade agreement between the two countries.
Speaking at a joint press briefing alongside Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that “the limitations that constrained us in previous times no long constrain us.”
“The future belongs to those who innovate and Israel and India are bent on innovation,” Netanyahu continued.
Under Modi’s leadership, India — which ranks as both a nuclear-armed nation and the globe’s fourth-largest economy — has strengthened its relationship with Israel. Modi’s political ascent has helped bring Hindu nationalism into the mainstream within a nation where Muslims comprise approximately 14% of the citizenry.
“Terrorism cannot be accepted in any form or expression,” Modi declared. “We have been shoulder-to-shoulder opposing terrorism and its supporters and will continue to do so.”
In their combined statement, Modi and Netanyahu made reference to the Hamas-orchestrated October 7, 2023 assault on Israel that sparked the current Gaza conflict, as well as an April 2025 assault targeting tourists and civilians in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The leaders also committed to expanding partnership in emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity capabilities. Both praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to promote the Gaza Strip ceasefire agreement.
Officials revealed that an additional 50,000 Indian workers will receive authorization to work in Israel, where numerous South Asian laborers have taken positions in construction and caregiving sectors following new limitations imposed on Palestinian workers when the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023.
While India has traditionally endorsed the creation of a Palestinian state, the country has occasionally refrained from criticizing Israel in global venues, including United Nations votes concerning the Gaza war. Nevertheless, India joined other nations earlier this month in denouncing Israeli actions that effectively strengthen its authority over the occupied West Bank.
During Trump’s initial presidency, India ceased purchasing Iranian oil following American pressure, despite historically maintaining relationships with Tehran involving trade and security cooperation, especially concerning Afghanistan.
