Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and Israel would deepen cooperation in defense and artificial intelligence as he concluded a two-day visit to Israel.

Modi and Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu announced in a joint statement on Thursday that their countries would work toward a free trade agreement.

"We've taken a historic decision to elevate our time-tested partnership to a Special Strategic Partnership," Modi posted on X.

Modi's second visit to Israel since 2017 has been seen as a test of India's foreign policy as it balances ties with Israel and other Middle Eastern countries.

During the visit, Modi toured the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and addressed the Knesset, condemning the October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.

The two countries concluded over a dozen bilateral agreements, including on cybersecurity, trade, space exploration, education, investment, agriculture, and economic cooperation.

Israel pledged to allow another 50,000 Indian workers into the country over the next five years, while India said it would extend its UPI digital payment system to Israel.

In the joint statement, the leaders "unequivocally condemned terrorism" and cross-border terrorism, praising US President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza.

Congress party spokesperson Jairam Ramesh condemned the trip, accusing the Modi government of abandoning the Palestinian cause.

Analysts say the visit reflects India's long-term strategic interests.

Source: www.bbc.com