External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, today, to discuss ways to deepen the strategic partnership between India and Israel. The talks highlighted both countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation in technology, economy, trade, security, and regional connectivity.
Jaishankar conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and underscored the strong trajectory of India-Israel relations. Sharing updates on social media, he said the discussions covered not only bilateral collaboration but also regional and global developments, reflecting the changing geopolitical environment. He expressed confidence that the India-Israel partnership “will grow from strength to strength.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged the importance of engaging with India’s leadership and affirmed Israel’s interest in strengthening ties. Jaishankar’s visit is part of a two-day official trip aimed at advancing shared priorities, including strategic, technological, and economic cooperation.
During the visit, Jaishankar met Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry, Nir Barkat, to discuss boosting investment, innovation, and trade ties. Both leaders reiterated their goal of concluding an India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to remove trade barriers and open new market opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Jaishankar also called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog, reaffirming India’s support for peace in the region. Herzog emphasized opportunities for collaboration, including the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) initiative, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity.
Earlier in the visit, Jaishankar met Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, where they discussed counter-terrorism efforts, confirming a shared commitment to a “zero tolerance” policy against terrorism. Jaishankar also extended condolences for the recent terror attack in Sydney, reaffirming India’s support for joint efforts to combat global terrorism.
The visit underscores sustained momentum in India-Israel relations, as both nations work to expand cooperation across defence, technology, economy, and regional peace initiatives. The meetings signal a renewed commitment to strengthening ties and pursuing practical collaborations that benefit both countries in the years ahead.
