Jerusalem – February 2026 In a warm and productive ceremony at the Prime Minister’s residence in Jerusalem, Israel and India signed 16 memoranda of understanding covering bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. The agreements were witnessed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and his Indian counterpart, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, signed key deals expanding collaboration in culture, agricultural innovation, technology, water management, cybersecurity, and defense industries.

During the signing, Netanyahu praised India’s government efficiency, telling Modi: “You have a very efficient government. What you are able to accomplish with one minister and one ambassador makes me think.” Turning to his own ministers with a smile, he added: “Don’t worry.”

In a light-hearted personal moment, Netanyahu shared: “I owe India a personal debt. When I first met Sara, our first or second date was at an Indian restaurant in Tel Aviv. There is no question — the food was amazing. It was Sara’s first time trying it, so it was a wonderful first date. I owe you.”

The visit strengthens the already robust India-Israel strategic partnership, with both leaders reaffirming commitment to deepening economic, technological, and security ties in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East.