External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to Israel has marked a significant chapter in the deepening ties between India and Israel, with a flurry of high-level meetings and ambitious new agreements. Landing in Tel Aviv on December 16, 2025, Jaishankar embarked on a two-day diplomatic mission aimed at bolstering cooperation across a spectrum of sectors, from technology and trade to security and academic exchange. The visit comes at a time when both nations are preparing for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed trip to India, signaling momentum in a relationship that has grown steadily stronger over the years.
According to PTI, Jaishankar’s itinerary was packed: meetings were scheduled with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. The discussions, as sources told PTI, were set to revolve around both bilateral and regional issues, with the overarching goal of further deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries. Jaishankar arrived in Israel after attending the high-profile Sir Bani Yas Forum in Abu Dhabi and participating in the 16th India–UAE Joint Commission Meeting, underlining India’s active diplomatic engagement in the Middle East.
The highlight of the visit came on December 17, when Jaishankar met Prime Minister Netanyahu in Jerusalem. As reported by IANS, Jaishankar conveyed warm wishes from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in technology, economy, skills and talent, connectivity, and security. In a post on X, Jaishankar shared, “Deeply appreciate the call on Prime Minister Israel Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem this evening. Extended warm wishes of PM Narendra Modi. Discussed deepening cooperation in technology, economy, skills and talent, connectivity and security. Valued his perspectives on regional and global developments. Confident that our Strategic Partnership will grow from strength to strength.”
Netanyahu, for his part, acknowledged the significance of the meeting, posting on X, “This evening, I met in my office in Jerusalem with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar.” The tone of mutual respect and strategic optimism was unmistakable, with both leaders expressing confidence that the partnership between their nations would continue to flourish.
Earlier that day, Jaishankar held talks with Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry, Nir Barkat, to explore ways to deepen investment and innovation cooperation. The economic dimension of the relationship has been a focal point in recent months, particularly as both countries move closer to finalizing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Jaishankar posted on X, “Great meeting with Israel's Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat in Jerusalem today. Discussed taking forward our investment and innovation cooperation. Expressed confidence in the early conclusion of India-Israel Free Trade Agreement to further boost our economic partnership.”
Barkat echoed this optimism, highlighting the transformative potential of the FTA. According to his post, “We discussed together the challenges related to the framework agreement ahead of the free trade agreement that I signed with his country, about three weeks ago. The future agreement will open up a huge market to Israel, remove trade barriers, and increase Israeli exports.” The FTA, as Barkat described, is expected to remove longstanding trade barriers and create new opportunities for both economies, particularly in innovation-driven sectors.
The economic discussions were not limited to trade. As reported by The Free Press Journal, recent months have seen a flurry of bilateral activity: Israeli Minister of Tourism Haim Katz, Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Avi Dichter, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich all visited India earlier in the year. These visits have built momentum towards the FTA, with India and Israel also signing a Bilateral Investment Treaty during Smotrich’s visit to New Delhi in September. The Terms of Reference for the proposed FTA were signed during Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal’s visit to Israel, further cementing the economic partnership.
Beyond economics, defense and technology have emerged as pillars of the strategic partnership. In November, India and Israel inked a landmark agreement aimed at enhancing defense, industrial, and technological cooperation, enabling the sharing of advanced technology for co-development and co-production. This agreement, as reported by PTI, is expected to open new avenues for collaboration in high-tech industries and defense manufacturing, areas where both countries have significant expertise.
The diplomatic agenda also included a strong focus on regional cooperation. On December 17, Jaishankar met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to review the strategic partnership and its continued advancement. Jaishankar conveyed warm greetings from Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, reaffirming India’s steadfast support for enduring peace in the region. In his own post on X, Jaishankar wrote, “Honoured to call on President Isaac Herzog of Israel today. Conveyed warm greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussed our Strategic Partnership and its continued deepening. Reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for enduring peace in the region.”
President Herzog, in turn, emphasized the importance of broadening regional cooperation, particularly through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Herzog posted, “It was a pleasure to meet with S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India. We discussed opportunities to deepen strategic Israel-India ties and the importance of broadening regional cooperation, including through the great vision of the IMEC.” The IMEC, envisioned as a major trade and connectivity corridor, is seen as a game-changer for economic integration and regional stability.
Culture and academic exchange have not been neglected. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Tel Aviv University recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an India Chair at the university, aiming to boost academic cooperation and people-to-people ties. Film festivals, dance performances, and filmmaker exchanges have also become regular features of the bilateral relationship, reflecting a growing cultural affinity between the two societies.
Jaishankar’s visit underscored the ongoing high-level engagement between India and Israel, set against a backdrop of evolving regional and global dynamics. His bilateral consultations with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs, are part of a broader strategy to keep the partnership responsive to new challenges and opportunities.
With both sides expressing confidence in the early conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement and reaffirming their commitment to peace, innovation, and connectivity, the India-Israel relationship appears poised for a new era of cooperation. As preparations continue for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s anticipated visit to India, the diplomatic groundwork laid during Jaishankar’s trip signals that the ties between these two nations are not just enduring, but actively evolving to meet the demands of a changing world.
