India Israel Ties

India summons US charge d'affaires over attack on tanker off Oman coast

India on Wednesday summoned US charge d'affaires Jason Meeks and lodged a strong protest over a US attack on a commercial tanker with 24 Indian crew members off the coast of Oman, sources said. Three of the 24 crew members on board the vessel went missing following the attack. In its reaction, New Delhi said the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in West Asia must end, and free and unimpeded navigation through the international waterways should be restored at the earliest. The attack on commercial vessel Settebello came two days after a Palao-flagged vessel with 24 Indians came under attack of the US Navy as the ship tried to evade the US blockade of Iranian ports. "We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and three Indians are reportedly missing," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. It said the Indian embassy in Oman is clo

'Crazy love for Israel': Netanyahu calls India huge power, praises support

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described India as a "huge power" where there is "an absolutely crazy love for Israel" despite what he called efforts to delegitimise the Jewish state elsewhere. Speaking at a leadership programme in the Jordan Valley on Thursday, Netanyahu further cited India as a key example of Israel's expanding international partnerships, as he discussed Israel's international relationships and efforts to broaden its diplomatic partnerships. The remarks came amid a fragile geopolitical situation in West Asia, with Israel facing security challenges on multiple fronts and seeking to strengthen ties with partners beyond its traditional allies. "We are expanding our alliances and what you are talking about is expanding these alliances to a large space. And the larger space is really our unique relationship with a huge power called India," Netanyahu said in a video released by the Government Press Office. Referring to international criticism of Israel, h

Israeli defence firm supplies first batch of light machine guns to India

A leading Israeli small arms manufacturer has delivered the first batch of light machine guns (LMGs) to India under the 'Make in India' initiative with technology transfer. The first batch of 2,000 NEGEV 7.62x51 LMGs, part of a larger contract for 41,000 units, was delivered over the last weekend, with an additional 4,000 scheduled for delivery later this year, the Israel Weapons Industries (IWI) said in a recent press release. The delivery was carried out by PLR Systems, a joint venture between IWI and Adani Group, the first private company in India to manufacture small arms and ammunition. "The milestone follows the successful completion of the technology transfer process under India's 'Make in India' initiative and reflects IWI's commitment to delivering advanced systems in accordance with contractual schedules and the highest quality standards, while supporting India's defence manufacturing ecosystem," the company said. The NEGEV 7.62x51, one of the lightest 7.62 mm light machi

Modi's visit signals a new phase in India-Israel economic partnership

PM Modi's visit to Israel and ongoing FTA negotiations mark a shift from transactional trade to structured, execution-led economic collaboration between India and Israel

India-Israel strengthen defence ties as countries decide to elevate ties

The two leaders discussed the regional developments and underlined the need for the establishment of a just and durable peace, security and freedom of navigation and trade in the region

From defence to tech collaboration: 16 pacts reshape India-Israel ties

India and Israel sign 16 pacts across AI, defence and mobility, agree on deeper tech ties and allow 50,000 more Indian workers in Israel over five years

India, Israel elevate bilateral ties, to conclude FTA soon: PM Modi

An agreement has been reached for the use of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Israel, the Prime Minister said after the meeting

PM Modi visits Israeli tech exhibition, invites firms to invest in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Israeli technology companies to invest in India and partner with Indian youth as he visited an exhibition here showcasing pioneering innovations in areas such as artificial intelligence, healthcare, and agriculture. Modi was accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the visit to the exhibition on Wednesday. In a social media post on Thursday, Modi said the exhibition showcased "special innovations" from the world of technology. "Got a glimpse of pioneering work by Israeli youth in areas such as AI, Quantum, healthcare, cyber security, water resources, agriculture and more. Urged Israeli companies to invest in India and work with our talented youth," he said. According to a press release, the exhibition featured leading Israeli companies and research entities specialising in agri-tech, water-tech, climate-tech, health-biotech, smart mobility, AI, cybersecurity, and quantum technologies. "Innovation and technology ...

'Splendid': PM Modi praises Netanyahu for wearing traditional Indian attire

Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with the Medal of the Knesset, becoming the first recipient of the honour

'More than a friend': Netanyahu praises PM Modi, thanks him for support

Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "more than a friend", his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday showered praises on the Indian leader and thanked him for standing by Israel's side after the dastardly attack of October 7, 2023. Modi was among the first world leaders to condemn the deadly attacks by Hamas in which almost 1,200 Israelis were killed and some 250 kidnapped. "Prime ministers and heads of state come to the Knesset and it's always an exciting moment for all of us. But my dear friend Narendra, I'm especially moved by your visit. You are a great friend of Israel and a great leader at the world stage....Narendra, you are more than a friend. You are a brother," an emotional Netanyahu said at the beginning of his speech. "We took off our shoes, and waded in the ocean. We didn't walk on water but have done miracles," Netanyahu said in reference to the viral picture of the two leaders walking barefoot in the ocean during Modi's first visit as prime ministe

We stand with Israel from this moment to beyond: PM Modi at Knesset

PM Modi said he did so both as India's prime minister and as a representative of an ancient civilisation, bringing with him the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians

India, Israel trade pact to unlock vast potential: PM in Israeli parliament

Congress and Left parties say Modi's visit amounts to betrayal of the Palestinian cause

PM Modi lands in Israel, Netanyahu accords ceremonial red carpet welcome

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived here on a two-day visit during which he will hold meetings with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, address the parliament and interact with the Indian diaspora. Modi was received by PM Netanyahu and his wife Sara at the airport. The two leaders hugged each other and exchanged pleasantries. The prime minister was given a ceremonial red carpet welcome. This is Modi's second state visit to Israel after 2017. After a meeting with Netanyahu at the airport, Modi will address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, becoming the first Indian prime minister to have the honour. In his departure statement, the prime minister said India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted strategic partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism, and he is looking forward to his meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Modi said the visit comes at the invitation of his "dear friend Prime Minister Netanyahu." During the visit, Modi will a

PM Modi departs for Israel, to hold talks with Netanyahu, address Knesset

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday left for Israel for a two-day visit during which he will have discussions with his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, and interact with the Indian diaspora. In his departure statement, the prime minister said India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted strategic partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism, and he is looking forward to his meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Modi said the visit comes at the invitation of his "dear friend Prime Minister Netanyahu." "I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties," he said. Modi will address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, becoming the first Indian prime minister to have the honour. During th

India, Israel to upgrade ties to special strategic level during PM's visit

India and Israel's relations will be upgraded to a "special strategic partnership" during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, marking a "significant leap ahead" similar to Jerusalem's ties with countries such as the US and Germany, sources said here Tuesday. Modi will undertake a two-day visit to Israel beginning Wednesday to shore up bilateral defence and trade cooperation. It will be Modi's second visit to Israel in nine years. The India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of strategic partnership during Modi's first visit to that country in July 2017. The upgraded "special strategic partnership" agreement will allow for a further developed stage of ties that will lead to joint development of advanced defence systems and an understanding to stand by each other in times of need. "The two countries have been reliable partners over the years and it has been proven in hours of crises. This is only being formally recognised during PM Modi's visit", sources told PTI. Modi w

PM Modi's second Israel visit to boost bilateral defence, trade cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a two-day visit to Israel beginning Wednesday to shore up bilateral defence and trade cooperation amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle-east including deteriorating ties between the US and Iran. Modi's engagements will include his address to Israel's parliament, wide-ranging talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and a meeting with President Isaac Herzog. It is learnt that boosting overall defence and security cooperation between the two sides will be a major area of discussions during delegation level talks involving the two prime ministers on Thursday. Netanyahu is scheduled to host a private dinner for Modi on Wednesday night. It will be Modi's second visit to Israel in nine years. The India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of strategic partnership during Modi's first visit to that country in July, 2017. Netanyahu had made a return visit to India in January 2018. India and Israel share a robust strategic

Congress slams PM over Israel visit, says 'govt has abandoned Palestinians'

The Congress on Tuesday alleged that the government has "abandoned" the Palestinians and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to Israel despite that country's attacks on civilians in Gaza continuing "mercilessly". Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the Modi government makes cynical and hypocritical statements on its commitment to the cause of the Palestinians but in reality it has abandoned them. Israel's dispossession and displacement of thousands of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank has intensified and drawn worldwide condemnation, Ramesh said on X. Israel's attacks on civilians in Gaza continue mercilessly, he said. Ramesh also pointed out that Israel and the US are planning air assaults on Iran. "Yet the Prime Minister is going to Israel tomorrow (where there is a Modani connection as well) to embrace his good friend Mr. Netanyahu, who faces very serious corruption charges," the Congress leader said. "The Opposition in Israel is

Netanyahu outlines PM Modi's itinerary ahead of 'historic' Israel visit

This will be PM Modi's second visit to the country, following his 2017 visit when he became the first-ever Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel

Israel awaits PM Narendra Modi: Of security, silicon and strategic signals

The PM's two-day Israel visit to feature Knesset address, and talks with Netanyahu on defence, counter-terrorism, IMEC, trade and artificial intelligence cooperation

Israel eyes return to pre-Covid Indian tourist levels of around 69k by 2027

Israel, which witnessed a double crisis of Covid-19 and the war, is expecting to recover and reach the 2019 level of around 69,000 visitors from India by 2027, a senior representative of the Israel Ministry of Tourism said. Israel received 65,100 visitors from India in 2019. "We faced crises like Covid-19 and then the war, which affected our tourism industry. In 2019, we welcomed 65,100 visitors from India. If everything is positive and we get enough campaigns and promotions like we did in 2019, it should take us another year and a half or two years- that is, 2027- to reach around 69,000 level," Galit Hoffman, Consul - Tourism Affairs, India, told PTI. After the Covid-19 crisis, which affected the travel industry worldwide, Israel entered a war with Hamas on October 7, 2023, impacting the tourism sector as many countries suspended flights to the Middle Eastern country. In 2024, Israel welcomed 9,600 tourists from India who majorly went for pilgrimage and 12,500 travellers in 2025,