Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 6 August 2026 to review the progress of the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership and discuss regional developments in West Asia.
According to an official statement released by the Government of India, the two leaders reviewed the sustained progress achieved under the bilateral strategic partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding cooperation across multiple sectors for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The discussion covered a wide range of areas of collaboration, with both leaders expressing satisfaction over the growing momentum in bilateral ties. They reiterated their resolve to strengthen cooperation in fields including trade, investment, defence, technology, innovation, agriculture, education, manufacturing and cultural exchanges.
Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu also exchanged views on the evolving security and geopolitical situation in West Asia. The two leaders discussed recent regional developments and agreed to remain in close contact on issues of mutual interest.
The conversation builds upon the enhanced bilateral engagement witnessed in recent months. In February 2026, India and Israel signed 17 agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at expanding cooperation in strategic sectors, including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, maritime heritage, agriculture, education and investment. Both countries also agreed to accelerate negotiations on a proposed Free Trade Agreement while deepening collaboration in defence research, development and production.
Defence cooperation continues to remain one of the key pillars of the India-Israel relationship. The two countries have steadily expanded partnerships in military technology, defence manufacturing, intelligence cooperation and innovation, reflecting the growing strategic convergence between New Delhi and Jerusalem.
The latest conversation also follows recent remarks by Prime Minister Netanyahu, who described Prime Minister Modi as “one of Israel’s greatest friends” while highlighting India’s importance in Israel’s broader foreign policy and strategic outreach.
India and Israel elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership in 2017 and have since expanded cooperation across defence, homeland security, agriculture, water management, cyber security, space, innovation and emerging technologies. The regular engagement between the two leaders reflects the continued importance both countries attach to strengthening their multifaceted partnership amid an evolving regional and global security environment.
