Tue Dec 16 10:16:35 UTC 2025: Summary:

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to Israel to discuss bilateral and regional issues with top Israeli leaders, including President Herzog, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and Foreign Minister Sa’ar. This visit precedes Netanyahu’s planned trip to India and follows a series of high-level exchanges between the two nations, including visits from several Israeli ministers to India and the signing of key agreements like a Bilateral Investment Treaty and Terms of Reference for a proposed Free Trade Agreement. The two countries are also strengthening cooperation in defense, cultural, and academic fields.

News Article:

Jaishankar in Israel to Bolster Strategic Partnership Ahead of Netanyahu Visit

Jerusalem, December 16, 2025 (PTI) – Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Israel Tuesday for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Israel. He is scheduled to meet with President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues.

This visit comes as preparations are underway for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s highly anticipated trip to India. The Israeli leader recently spoke with Prime Minister Modi, hinting at a meeting “very soon.”

In recent months, India and Israel have deepened their ties through high-level exchanges. Several Israeli ministers, including the Ministers of Tourism, Economy and Industry, Agriculture and Food Security, and Finance, have visited India. Significant progress has been made towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with the signing of a Bilateral Investment Treaty in September and Terms of Reference for the FTA last month.

Defense cooperation is also on the rise. The two countries recently inked a landmark agreement to enhance defense, industrial, and technological collaboration. Furthermore, India and Israel are expanding cooperation in cultural and academic spheres, with initiatives like film festivals and academic exchanges to foster people-to-people connections. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Tel Aviv University signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Monday to establish an India Chair at the university.

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