Published on: March 1, 2026
INDIA-ISRAEL RELATION
INDIA-ISRAEL RELATION
NEWS: Prime Minister’s standalone visit to Israel to strengthen bilateral relationsà geopolitically sensitive because West Asia (Middle East) is currently highly volatile
Key Features
- Diplomatic relations established: 1992
- Strong cooperation in:
- Defence & Security (missiles, drones, intelligence)
- Agriculture (drip irrigation)
- Technology & AI
- Innovation and startups
- Israel is one of India’s top defence suppliers.
Key Outcomes
- India-Israel ties were formally elevated toà “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity“
- UPI will be operationalized in Israelà for Indian tourists, professionals, and cross-border remittances.
- ‘Indo-Israel Cyber Centre of Excellence’ àto be set up in India to combat digital threats and protect critical infrastructure.
- The India-Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture (IINCA) àwill advance precision farming and satellite-based irrigation.
- India-Israel Academic Cooperation Forum (I2I Forum)à will conduct annual university-led research dialogues.
Overview of India-Israel Trade Relations
- India-Israel bilateral merchandise trade stood at $3.62 billion in FY 2024-25.
- Marks a sharp decline àfrom the record high of $10.77 billion in FY 2022-23, driven by regional instability and Red Sea disruptions.
- IndiaàIsrael’s 2nd largest trading partner in Asia and among top ten partners globally.
- The balance of trade currently favours India.
- Key Exports: Pearls, precious stones, petroleum products, and organic chemicals.
- Key Imports: Rough diamonds, electrical machinery, fertilisers, and defence equipment.
- Both nations have initiated formal negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
