Thu Feb 26 13:41:51 UTC 2026: ### India and Israel Forge Special Strategic Partnership, Back Gaza Peace Initiative

The Story:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two-day visit to Israel on February 26, 2026, marking a significant elevation of the India-Israel relationship to a “special strategic partnership.” The two nations agreed to finalize a “mutually beneficial” free trade agreement (FTA) soon. During the visit, PM Modi voiced strong support for the Gaza peace initiative, emphasizing that humanity must never be a victim of conflict. Multiple agreements and MoUs were signed across various sectors, including AI, cybersecurity, and education, with a notable agreement reached for the use of UPI in Israel.

Key Points:

  • India and Israel elevated their relationship to a “special strategic partnership” on February 26, 2026.
  • The two countries agreed to finalize a “mutually beneficial” free trade agreement (FTA).
  • PM Modi expressed strong support for the Gaza peace initiative.
  • Agreements were signed in AI, cybersecurity, education, and digital payments, including the use of UPI in Israel.
  • India and Israel vowed to expand their defense partnership through joint development and production of military hardware.
  • Congress leader Anand Sharma criticized the visit, raising concerns about India’s perceived endorsement of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
  • The Hebrew University of Jerusalem thanked PM Modi for his “courageous words” in the Knesset.

Key Takeaways:

  • The deepening strategic ties between India and Israel reflect a shared interest in economic cooperation, technological advancement, and regional stability.
  • India’s support for the Gaza Peace Plan highlights its commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts in West Asia, aligning with its security interests.
  • The agreement on the use of UPI in Israel demonstrates the growing integration of the two countries’ digital economies.
  • Domestic political opposition underscores the complexities of balancing international relations with national values and historical foreign policy positions.
  • Academic collaborations between Indian and Israeli institutions are set to foster innovation and knowledge exchange.

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