PM Modi in Israel Endorses Gaza Peace Plan, Unveils Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his official visit to Israel on Thursday, expressed strong support for the Gaza Peace Plan, describing it as a "pathway towards peace." In a joint statement with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi affirmed India's full backing for these efforts and committed to ongoing dialogue and cooperation with all nations involved in the regional peace process.
Joint Statement on Regional Stability and US Peace Initiative
The leaders welcomed US President Donald Trump's "Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict" and discussed broader regional developments. They emphasized the necessity of establishing a just, durable peace, ensuring security, and safeguarding freedom of navigation and trade through mutual understanding and diplomatic engagement.
During discussions on the regional situation, Modi and Netanyahu addressed escalating US-Iran tensions. The Indian Prime Minister reiterated India's firm belief in dialogue as the cornerstone of conflict resolution, advocating for peaceful solutions. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted Modi's readiness to offer India's support if required to facilitate a peaceful resolution.
Expansive Bilateral Agreements and Defense Roadmap
The meeting yielded more than 20 significant outcomes, including the signing of 16 Memoranda of Understanding and agreements spanning diverse sectors. These covered artificial intelligence, education, horizon scanning, cultural exchanges, labor mobility, and geophysical exploration aimed at sustainable resource development.
Modi and Netanyahu outlined a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen "trusted cooperation" in defense, focusing on joint development, joint production, and technology transfer. This initiative aims to deepen strategic ties and enhance military capabilities through collaborative efforts.
Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership Announced
Highlighting technology as the core of future India-Israel relations, Modi announced the establishment of a Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership. This new framework is designed to accelerate cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and critical minerals.
According to the joint statement, this partnership will leverage the individual strengths of both countries in niche technologies, creating a focused and forward-looking alliance that drives innovation and economic growth.
Advancing Regional Connectivity Projects
Both nations agreed to propel regional connectivity initiatives with renewed momentum, specifically focusing on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the India-Israel-UAE-USA (I2U2) grouping. These projects aim to enhance trade, infrastructure, and economic integration across regions.
Unified Stance Against Terrorism
Modi declared that India and Israel stand unequivocally against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. "We have stood shoulder to shoulder in opposing terrorism and those who support it, and we will continue to do so," he stated, echoing sentiments from his previous address at the Knesset.
The joint statement condemned cross-border terrorism, citing specific incidents including the Pahalgam attack, the Red Fort terror incident, and the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist strikes. The leaders called for decisive international efforts to combat terrorism comprehensively and reaffirmed their resolve as leaders of vibrant democracies to address this common threat.
Futuristic Direction for Agriculture Collaboration
Modi emphasized plans to give agriculture collaboration a futuristic direction, building on the success of existing Centers of Excellence established in India with Israel's cooperation. He announced an ambitious target to expand these centers to 100, highlighting their role as outstanding examples of bilateral friendship and innovation in farming techniques.
