Why is it in the news?
The Indian Prime Minister made a historic State visit to Israel elevating ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation & Prosperity.”
First round of negotiations for India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concluded in New Delhi.
Category: International Relations
Important Points:
● Bilateral ties elevated to “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation & Prosperity”
● LoI signed to establish Indo-Israel Cyber Centre of Excellence in India
● MoUs signed on ethical AI, AI-enabled education and Horizon Scanning
● MoU on geophysical exploration using AI-driven technologies
● Joint Commission on Science & Technology elevated to Ministerial level
● UPI integration MoU for cross-border remittances
● Labour Mobility Protocols signed for commerce, manufacturing and restaurants
● MoU for India-Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture (IINCA)
● Trade reached USD 3.75 billion (FY 2024–25)
● India one of largest importers of Israeli defence equipment; Barak-8 co-developed