Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India and Israel will collaborate more closely on defence technology while pursuing a free trade agreement, as he concluded a controversial two-day visit.

Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced at a joint news conference in Jerusalem that they would foster collaboration on technologies such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The countries concluded over a dozen bilateral agreements.

"The future belongs to those who innovate, and Israel and India are bent on innovation," said Netanyahu.

A joint statement highlighted cooperation in "horizon scanning," a mechanism to identify emerging global trends in technology, economy, and society.

Israel also agreed to allow 50,000 more Indian nationals into the country. Tens of thousands of South Asian workers have filled construction and caregiving jobs since restrictions were placed on Palestinian workers at the start of the Gaza war.

Modi's visit, his second since 2014, drew criticism in India, signalling an ongoing expansion of strategic ties with Israel amid the Gaza conflict, which has killed over 72,000 people.

The leaders' joint statement referenced the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and an April 2025 attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Terrorism cannot be accepted in any form," said Modi, who has historically supported a Palestinian state but sometimes abstained from criticising Israel in UN forums.

Both countries also praised US President Donald Trump's plan to advance a "ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip.

Source: www.aljazeera.com