Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Rising Bharat Summit today, centering his remarks on the theme of “Strength Within.” Highlighting India’s journey over the last 11 years, the Prime Minister spoke extensively on reclaiming national potential, economic self-reliance, and the roadmap for a developed India by 2047.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stated, “Our scriptures say,’Tat Tvam Asi’, meaning the Divinity we seek is within us. We must recognize the potential that lies inside. In the last 11 years, India has recognized that very strength and is making constant efforts to empower it.”

The Prime Minister noted that the potential is not born suddenly in a country; it is built over generations.  Shri  Modi emphasized that in the last 11 years, a new energy has flowed into the national consciousness as India actively reclaims its lost potential. He noted that the nation is refocusing on manufacturing, improving product quality, and strengthening economic policy to build a robust foundation. “By strengthening the banking system and successfully controlling double-digit inflation, the government has effectively turned India into the world’s growth engine.

Prime Minister Modi discussed India’s leadership in Digital Public Infrastructure, mentioning the ‘Trinity’ of Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile about which heads of government are often eager to hear. He cited the success of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), through which ₹24 trillion has been sent to beneficiaries without leakages. He emphasised that the country has become a top solar power nation from an earlier era where 30 million families lacked electricity and the railway system has become the world’s third largest metro network during the era of Vande Bharat and Namo Bharat.

On the subject of Artificial Intelligence, PM stated, “In previous industrial revolutions, India and the Global South were merely followers. But in the era of Artificial Intelligence, India is a partner in decisions and is shaping them. Today we have our own AI startup ecosystem and are working rapidly on the power requirements for processing AI data.” Shri Modi further added that The AI Summit, attended by over 100 countries,was a moment of pride.

The Prime Minister emphasised that investment in self-reliance today is essential for future generations. “Today, we are building a semiconductor ecosystem and prioritizing green hydrogen, solar energy, and ethanol blending, investment in defence production, mobile manufacturing, drones technology, critical mineral infrastructure  to ensure economic security for decades to come”, Shri Modi highlighted.  “Nation building never happens with immediate thinking; it happens with a big vision, patience, and decisions taken on time,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister mentioned that ₹28 lakh crore has been provided in agricultural loans, four times more than earlier periods. Shri Modi highlighted that over Rs. 4 lakh Crore deposited directly into farmer’s accounts through PM KISAN. “Our country is becoming amongst the leading agriculture exporting nations owing to these reforms”, Shri Modi highlighted.

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister issued a call to action for all citizens and institutions, “I have said from the Red Fort—this is the time, the right time. This is the time to take India to new heights. Let every individual aim for excellence… we should not just do routine work, we should do world-class work.”

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the first post-budget webinar of the 2026-27 series today, focusing on the theme “Technology Reforms and Finance for Viksit Bharat.” Emphasizing that the national budget is a policy roadmap rather than a short-term trading document, Shri Modi called for a collective effort to realize the goal of a developed India by 2047.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the budget’s effectiveness should be assessed through concrete parameters, such as expanding infrastructure, simplifying the flow of credit, improving the ease of doing business, and increasing transparency in governance, while also making the lives of citizens easier and generating new opportunities for them. ” Budget decisions related to these aspects provide permanent strength to the economy”, the Prime Minister highlighted.

The Prime Minister  noted that, most importantly, no budget should be viewed as a standalone event because nation-building is a continuous process. “Every budget is a stage toward moving to a larger goal,and that big goal is the construction of a Developed India (Viksit Bharat) by the year 2047. Therefore, every reform, every allocation, and every change should be seen as an integral part of this long journey”, Shri Modi emphasised.

The Prime Minister remarked that these annual post-budget webinars are of great importance. He expressed his expectation that these sessions should not be limited merely to the exchange of ideas but should instead become an effective brainstorming exercise. “ Suggestions based on the experience and practical challenges of stakeholders will certainly help in further refining economic strategies and finding solutions”, Shri Modi noted. Furthermore, he emphasized that when industry, academia, analysts, and policymakers think together, the implementation of schemes improves and results become more accurate, which is the core spirit behind this series of webinars.

The Prime Minister observed that a quarter of the 21st century has passed, marking a significant period in the lives of those in service. He stated that the country is now in a crucial phase of its development journey, with the economy moving forward at a rapid pace. Highlighting India’s extraordinary resilience over the last decades, shri. Modi noted that this progress has not happened by chance but is the result of conviction-driven reforms. “ The government has simplified processes, improved the Ease of Doing Business, expanded technology-led governance, and strengthened institutions, asserting that even today, the country continues to ride the Reform Express”, Shri Modi underscored.

The Prime Minister noted that while policy intent is crucial, the current phase of India’s development requires a relentless focus on delivery excellence. “The evaluation of reforms should not be based on their announcement, but on their impact at the ground level, and he urged the integration of AI, Blockchain, and Data Analytics to drive accountability and speed and transparency in public service delivery”, Shri  Modi added. Also, he emphasised that impact must be monitored through grievance redressal systems.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to building long-term productive assets, the Prime Minister pointed out the significant rise in Public Capital Expenditure. “Over the last 11 years, the provision has grown from approximately ₹2 lakh crore to over ₹12 lakh crore in the current budget. This investment serves as a clear signal for the private sector to increase participation in infrastructure and innovation”, Shri Modi emphasised.

The Prime Minister called upon the industry and financial institutions to come forward with new energy, emphasizing the need for greater participation in infrastructure, more innovation in financing models, and stronger collaboration in emerging sectors. He further suggested that the project sanction methodology and appraisal quality must be strengthened, keeping cost-benefit analysis and life-cycle costing paramount to eliminate waste and delays.

Addressing the financial framework, the Prime Minister stated that the government is further simplifying the foreign investment framework to make the system more predictable and investor-friendly. He highlighted steps being taken to make bond markets more active and simplify the buying and selling of bonds, viewing these reforms as essential enablers of long-term growth.”There  is need to ensure predictability, deepen liquidity, and introduce new instruments to manage risk effectively and attract sustained foreign capital”, Shri Modi remarked. Shri Modi also urged stakeholders to learn from global best practices to help strengthen the bond market and foreign investment framework.

To attract sustained foreign capital and improve long-term financing, the Prime Minister announced further simplifications to the foreign investment framework. The strategy includes developing more active bond markets, simplifying bond trading processes, and strengthening project sanction methodologies through rigorous cost-benefit analysis and life-cycle costing. “ These steps aim to make the system more predictable and investor-friendly while managing risk effectively”, Shri Modi remarked.

The Prime Minister emphasized that while any policy can create a framework, its ultimate success depends on the active participation of all stakeholders. He called upon the industry to step forward with fresh investment and innovation, while urging financial institutions and analysts to assist in preparing practical solutions and strengthening market confidence. “When the government, industry, and knowledge partners move forward in unison, reforms are successfully converted into results. Budget announcements are converted into tangible results on the ground only through this collective synergy”, Shri Modi asserted.

The Prime Minister suggested the development of a “Reform Partnership Charter”, a shared resolve between the government, industry, financial institutions, and academia. He clarified that the purpose of the post-budget webinars is no longer to discuss the budget’s contents, but to ensure its rapid and simple implementation on the ground.

The Prime Minister urged all stakeholders, including financial institutions, markets, industry, professionals, and innovators, to take advantage of the new opportunities provided by this budget. He encouraged them to engage deeply with these prospects, noting that their active participation would improve the implementation of schemes, while their feedback and cooperation would yield better results. He called upon everyone to reform and grow together to create a future where the dream of a Developed India is realized as soon as possible.

Expressing full confidence in the day’s deliberations, the Prime Minister emphasized that the focus must remain on simplifying processes. He clarified that while consultations are held before the budget to refine it, the post-budget webinars are specifically designed to land the budget on the ground as quickly as possible through the simplest routes. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, concluded by stating that if stakeholders deliberate with the collective benefit in mind, these webinars will truly open the doors to a vibrant economy.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today said that women in science are not merely participants but powerful “catalysts” in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat. Addressing the National Science Day Celebration–2026 at the INSA Auditorium, New Delhi, the Minister underlined that scientific growth and national development are inseparable, and that inclusive participation especially of women is essential to sustaining India’s innovation momentum.

Speaking on the focal theme “Women in Science: Catalyzing Viksit Bharat,” Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that India’s scientific ecosystem must nurture talent across gender and geography. He highlighted the growing representation of women in research, leadership positions and innovation-driven sectors, noting that the transformation of India’s science landscape requires both policy support and institutional commitment.

Dr. Jitendra Singh further observed that India’s science policy framework has increasingly focused on enabling ecosystems rather than isolated achievements. He stressed that sustained institutional support, early-stage mentoring, and translational pathways are critical to ensuring that research outcomes convert into tangible societal impact. He noted that initiatives announced during the celebration reflect a continuum from student engagement to innovation clusters—designed to strengthen India’s long-term scientific capacity.

The Minister also underlined that science communication and public engagement are central to building a scientific temperament. He said that empowering young students, particularly girls, through structured exposure to laboratories and research institutions will create a multiplier effect in the years ahead. He emphasized that India’s demographic dividend must be aligned with its scientific aspirations to achieve the goals of Viksit Bharat.

During the programme, several key initiatives were launched and released. These included the Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster and the ANRF-Venture Centre Outreach Initiative. The Mission Innovation India Report was also released, along with the book Indigenous Architecture of Northeast India. A DST-supported technology on copper-doped nano titania coating for heritage stones was formally transferred to M/s Rebuild Technologies Services Pvt. Ltd., marking a significant step towards translating laboratory research into societal applications.

The Copper-Doped Nano Titania (Cu–TiO₂) coating technology represents an advanced scientific solution for the preservation of heritage stone monuments. The technology, developed through nano-titania and Cu-doped nano-titania coatings embedded in a Paraloid B-72 matrix, has demonstrated enhanced hydrophobicity, UV resistance and aesthetic compatibility for marble, sandstone and granite surfaces. The Cu-doped formulation retained high hydrophobic performance even after prolonged UV exposure, underscoring its durability and suitability for long-term conservation of heritage structures.

Another significant announcement was the launch of the “Engage with Science” Programme, conceptualized by the National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC), DST. The programme aims to provide immersive, one-week residential exposure to students of Classes 8 and 9 across 16 autonomous DST institutions, encouraging early interest in research and development. The initiative spans seven thematic areas including Materials Science, Biological Sciences, Astronomy, Medical Technology, Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Earth Sciences, thereby fostering scientific curiosity among young learners and nurturing future scientific ambassadors.

In his welcome address, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, highlighted DST’s continued efforts to build a robust and inclusive research ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of strengthening innovation clusters, promoting translational research, and ensuring that scientific outcomes are effectively aligned with national priorities. He underscored that initiatives such as the Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster and the ANRF outreach efforts are designed to deepen industry-academia collaboration and accelerate research-to-market pathways.

Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, stressed the need to integrate biological sciences and biotechnology innovations with national development missions. He spoke about strengthening institutional linkages, promoting interdisciplinary research, and leveraging innovation ecosystems to ensure that biotechnology solutions contribute meaningfully to healthcare, agriculture and sustainable development goals.

Further, Dr. Jitendra Singh, reiterated that India’s scientific advancement must be measured not only by global rankings but by its capacity to deliver solutions for its people. He emphasized that initiatives such as hydrogen innovation clusters, outreach programmes and technology transfers represent a shift towards mission-driven science with societal relevance. He called upon scientific institutions to maintain momentum, deepen collaboration and ensure that the spirit of National Science Day translates into year-round action.

Concluding the programme, the Minister stated that National Science Day is not merely a commemorative event but a reaffirmation of India’s scientific resolve. He emphasized that the initiatives launched reflect the Government’s commitment to empowering women scientists, strengthening indigenous innovation, preserving cultural heritage through science, and nurturing the next generation of researchers in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

 

A Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation, and Prosperity

Recognising the warmth, goodwill, and deep strategic partnership between India and Israel, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi made a state visit to Israel from 25 to 26 February 2026 on the invitation of Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minster of the State of Israel. The Prime Minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprised of senior ministers and officials. Recalling Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Israel in 2017 and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to India in 2018, which together laid the foundation for a new era of partnership and collaboration, the leaders noted the immense progress made in the India-Israel bilateral relationship across diverse domains, including emerging technologies, cyber, agriculture, water management, health, entrepreneurship, defence, security, and more. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Prime Minister Modi agreed and decided to elevate the Strategic Partnership to a new level – ‘A Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation & Prosperity.’

Together into the future

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their shared vision for a robust special strategic partnership rooted in mutual aspirations for peace, security and prosperity through technological innovations and entrepreneurship. The leaders acknowledged that Indian and Israeli capabilities complement each other perfectly – Israel is a global powerhouse of technology and innovation, India serves as a hub of talent, manufacturing excellence and entrepreneurial energy. The Prime Ministers affirmed their commitment to integrating India’s and Israel’s advancements in AI, cybersecurity, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, agriculture and water management, defence platforms, and space exploration. This partnership strengthens India’s vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat 2047’, aims to spark the next wave of technological transformation and shared progress of both countries.

Underscoring the shared commitment to transform policy priorities into tangible outcomes, the Prime Ministers emphasised the importance of institutionalising bilateral mechanisms across Government-to-Government, Business-to-Business, and People-to-People domains to ensure sustained collaboration and meaningful impact.

Defence and Security

Welcoming the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation signed on 4th November 2025, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the significant growth made in defence cooperation between their nations, both in scope and scale. Both leaders provided a vision and a roadmap for future defence cooperation.

Technology and Innovation

Acknowledging the complementary strengths of India’s and Israel’s technological prowess that create avenues for deeper collaboration in Critical and Emerging Technology (CET) sectors, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the new initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies led by the National Security Advisors of the two countries. They emphasised that this initiative would synergise the individual strengths of both countries in niche technologies, fostering a focused and futuristic partnership. The leaders called on both sides to take forward the initiative.

The Prime Ministers reviewed the functioning of the India-Israel Industrial R&D and Innovation Fund (I4F), jointly implemented by the Department of Science and Technology of India and the Israel Innovation Authority, and reaffirmed its important role in advancing industrial collaboration between the two countries. They agreed to further strengthen the operational implementation of the I4F mechanism, including enhanced outreach to industry and facilitation of high-quality joint R&D partnerships, in order to fully realize the Fund’s potential and expand impactful cooperation between Indian and Israeli enterprises.

Acknowledging the success of the India-Israel Joint Research Calls (IIJRC), implemented by Department of Science and Technology (DST), India, and Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (MOST), Israel, the Prime Ministers agreed to increase the contribution of both sides— from the current USD 1 million to USD 1.5 million each. This will promote joint research between Indian and Israeli universities through joint use of research facilities, materials, and equipment, and will also provide for exchange visits of the collaborating scientists. Both sides agreed to mandate the Joint Scientific Committee to coordinate and advance the Joint Research Call. The leaders also welcomed the elevation of the Joint Commission on Science and Technology to the Ministerial level and both sides agreed to hold the JCM on Science and Technology at Ministerial level at the earliest possible occasion in India or in Israel.

The Prime Ministers recognized the importance of strengthening academia–industry linkages as a key driver of innovation and agreed to promote structured networking and collaboration between researchers, industry leaders and technology experts from both countries, with a view to advancing joint research, technology development and commercial partnerships.

The Prime Ministers recognized the importance of creating institutional support to advance joint innovation activities between the two countries. In this context, they agreed to explore the development of Tech Gateway mechanisms to facilitate collaborative R&D initiatives, technology validation processes, pilot projects and joint development activities between Indian and Israeli innovation ecosystems.

The Prime Ministers recognized the strategic importance of Artificial Intelligence as a key driver of innovation and agreed to deepen cooperation in AI talent and expertise. They welcomed efforts to develop enabling frameworks that strengthen linkages between AI professionals, research institutions and innovative enterprises, including by facilitating professional collaboration and participation in leading innovation activities in both countries.

Recognising the advances made by Israel and India in artificial intelligence, both leaders welcomed the signing of the MoU on Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and agreed to deepen collaboration in this frontier technology for the welfare of their peoples.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the ongoing collaboration between the Israel Space Agency (ISA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), recognising the significant potential for Israeli space-based start-ups and companies to engage more deeply with their Indian counterparts. They emphasised the importance of fostering greater cooperation between the two nations’ space industries, encouraging joint ventures, innovation partnerships, and knowledge exchange to drive progress in the global space sector.

Both leaders welcomed the signing of the Declaration of Intent for cooperation in establishing a ‘Horizon Scanning/Strategic Foresight Mechanism’. This mechanism helps identify emerging global trends in areas like technology, economy and society, by leveraging data, AI and expert insights to support strategic planning and decision making.

Cybersecurity

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cybersecurity in both governmental and private sectors. They emphasized the need for robust dialogue between their national cyber authorities and pledged to deepen cooperation in this field. In addition, they committed to developing a multi-year strategic program to guide bilateral collaboration in cybersecurity and advance a joint roadmap for implementation. The roadmap will include, among other elements, human capacity building, cybersecurity and AI, applied research, the integration of Security by Design principles and regular joint table top exercises. Recognising the importance of strengthening and institutionalising their comprehensive cyber cooperation, they welcomed the successful convening of the inaugural India-Israel Cyber Policy Dialogue in March 2025. In a significant step forward, both leaders welcomed the signing of Letter of Intent for the establishment of an India-Israel Centre of Excellence in Cybersecurity in India to foster the activities outlined above.

Trade, Investment, and Connectivity

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasised the importance of unlocking the full potential of bilateral trade and investment. They welcomed the signing of the India-Israel Bilateral Investment Agreement by the two Finance Ministers in New Delhi in September 2025, which is expected to enhance investor confidence, promote greater two-way investments, and ensure transparency, predictability, and protection through a clear framework of treatment of investment and independent dispute resolution mechanism.

Both leaders welcomed the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Free Trade Area (FTA) Agreement negotiations and the convening of the first negotiating round in New Delhi. The leaders assert their commitment for the realization of the FTA Agreement between the two countries and tasked the negotiating teams to expedite the negotiations for an early signing of an FTA.

Both Leaders emphasized that a resilient financial ecosystem is a fundamental pillar of economic stability. They welcomed the strategic partnership in the financial-cyber domain. This collaboration will focus on enhancing the resilience of the financial ecosystem through the exchange of financial- cyber intelligence, joint development of methodologies, and the performance of multilateral financial-cyber simulations operationalised through Financial Computer Security Incident Response Teams of both countries.

Prime Minister Netanyahu appreciated India’s fintech revolution, exemplified by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which is a world-class model for affordable, real-time cross-border transactions. Both sides agreed to explore linking UPI with Israel’s fast payment system to enhance interoperability and strengthen economic ties.

Both leaders welcomed the signing of an MoU between NPCI International and MASAV for cooperation in order to examine linkages between NPCI and MASAV for cross-border payments between the countries.

The leaders noted that direct air connectivity is a basic building block that is essential for scaling the bilateral relationship to new heights. In this regard, they expressed their desire to expand direct air connectivity between Tel Aviv and major Indian cities and encouraged both Indian and Israeli airlines to take up the opportunity to start direct flight operations between the two countries.

The leaders welcomed the launch of the India–Israel Financial Dialogue to boost closer financial cooperation.

Both leaders encouraged more Indian participation in the infrastructure sector of Israel, particularly in light of major upcoming projects in Israel in the sectors of metro, rail, road, airports, desalination plants, waste-water treatment plants, etc.

The two leaders welcomed the successful conclusion of the 4th round of India-Israel CEOs Forum and Business Summit in Tel Aviv in November 2025. They commended the meaningful engagement between business and government leaders, which contributed to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and unlocking new opportunities for investment and collaboration across key sectors. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building on this positive momentum to further deepen the India-Israel strategic partnership. They also welcomed the signing of the MoU on Arbitration between Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) and Israeli Institute of Commercial Arbitration (IICA) recognising it as a significant step toward facilitating smoother commercial dispute resolution and enhancing investor confidence.

Agriculture, Water and Environmental Protection

Recognizing the critical role of water and agriculture in sustainable development, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu affirmed the importance of efforts to strengthen the partnership in water and agriculture. The partnership focusses on key areas of water conservation, wastewater treatment and its reuse for agriculture, desalination, water utility reforms, and the cleaning of the Ganges and other rivers using advanced water technologies.

The Prime Ministers also agreed to strengthen the ongoing capacity building program in agriculture in Israel, led by MASHAV in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture of India. This multifaceted program benefits hundreds of thousands of Indian farmers, through trainings, introduction of unique and innovative techniques and knowledge transfer.

The Prime Ministers apprised the progress of the 35 centres of excellence in agriculture already operating and the 8 that are being jointly operationalised in various locations across India. Both leaders noted with satisfaction that more than a million Indian farmers have been trained at these centres of excellence so far.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the MOU between ICAR and MASHAV regarding the India – Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture (IINCA) –This initiative will drive innovation and research, enhance productivity, and promote sustainable growth in agriculture. Both leaders also welcomed the launch of 20 Joint Fellowships for Agricultural Research by Indian researchers at the Volcani Agriculture Research Organization.

Both leaders welcomed the signing of the Declaration of Intent on cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture in January 2026 and agreed to strengthen cooperation in this area including through setting up of a Joint Centre of Excellence in Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The Prime Ministers underlined the importance of cooperation in the field of environment and climate change and agreed to have bilateral consultations to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders on climate action, including capacity building and examining possibilities for technology transfer as well as jointly promoting a circular economy, protection of biodiversity and prevention of environmental pollution.

Combating Terror, Promoting Peace

The leaders unequivocally and strongly condemned terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism. They called for decisive and concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner. Expressing the grave concern over this common challenge, the Prime Ministers reaffirmed their collective resolve to combat this menace as the leaders of two vibrant and resilient democracies. They strongly condemned the heinous October 7, 2023 terror attack on Israel, the savage terror attack on Indian tourists at Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir in India on April 22, 2025 and the terror incident near Red Fort, New Delhi on November 10, 2025.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated their unwavering commitment to advancing global peace and security and welcomed US President Donald Trump’s “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.” The two leaders discussed the regional developments, including the peace process, and underlined the need for the establishment of a just and durable peace, security and freedom of navigation and trade in the region through dialogue and mutual understanding.

Parliamentary Cooperation

In view of the excellent parliamentary cooperation between the two vibrant democracies of India and Israel, and following the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Speaker of the Knesset, the leaders also welcomed the establishment of the India-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Parliament of India.

People to People Cooperation

The Prime Ministers emphasized that true friendship between nations leads to a connection between people that is strengthened through culture and sport. The Ministry of Culture and Sports of the State of Israel will work to deepen cooperation with the Republic of India in the field of cinema. This will include exchanges between creators, joint productions of films and series, and platforms that strengthen ties between the industries and audiences in both countries, while showcasing the unique cultures of each nation.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged the contributions of Indian workers in Israel, who strengthen the bonds of friendship through their work. They acknowledged the importance of the Framework Agreement and Implementation Protocols, signed in November 2023, in facilitating the safe and secure mobility of Indian workers in the construction and caregiver sectors. In this regard, both leaders also welcomed the signing of the Protocols concerning the Commerce & Services, Manufacturing and Restaurant sectors.

The Prime Ministers emphasized the need to ensure the safety, security, and legal rights of workers. They also emphasised the importance of expanding opportunities for Indian professionals in high-skill sectors such as data science, AI, and hi-tech.

Both leaders agreed that up to 50,000 additional Indian workers may arrive in Israel within the next five years. The two leaders reviewed the work of the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) and tasked the JCC to meet frequently to discuss outstanding issues related to workers and to resolve them at the earliest.

Health

The Prime Ministers called upon both sides to hold the first JWG on Health in early 2026. Both leaders agreed to collaborate on healthcare innovation, AI and digital transformation through sharing of best practices and cooperation between institutions of the countries.

Education – Securing the Future

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed that, as knowledge-driven economies, India and Israel need to further deepen their collaborative endeavours in the field of education and promote cooperation through joint initiatives between universities, student and faculty exchanges, and the facilitation of student internships at each other’s universities. Both leaders welcomed the signing of the MoU between Nalanda University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. They also welcomed the signing of MoU on Cooperation in advancing education through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Prime Minister Modi apprised Prime Minister Netanyahu of the National Education Policy 2020, which aims to create an educational system rooted in Indian ethos as well as aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

India and Israel agree to establish the India-Israel Academic Cooperation Forum (the I2I Forum) – a university-led platform for high-level, focused dialogue of academic and research institutions, policymakers, Higher Education experts, and other relevant stakeholders of India and Israel. The Forum will convene annually on rotation between India and Israel.

Transforming the landscape of new global trade

In an era of global uncertainties, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed their commitment to advancing transformative initiatives such as the I2U2 quadrilateral partnership. This framework serves as a vital instrument for fostering deeper engagement, trade, investment, innovation and leveraging the complementary strengths of both nations. The leaders discussed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and expressed their intent to advance cooperation to promote regional connectivity, stability and shared prosperity through the initiative and explore Israel’s role within its frameworks.

Recognizing the strategic partnership and advocating the need to comprehensively enhance bilateral relations, the Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the following new agreements:

1) MoU on cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

2) Letter of Intent on establishment of Indo Israel Cyber Centre of Excellence in India.

3) Memorandum of Understanding between the Minister of Education of Republic of India and Minister of Education of the State of Israel on the Cooperation on Advancing Education through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

4) Cultural Exchange Programme between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the State of Israel for the Years 2026-2029.

5) Memorandum of Understanding between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, Republic of India and MASHAV- Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, the State of Israel on establishment of the India-Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture (IINCA) for Cooperation in Agricultural Research and Education.

6) Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Mines of the Government of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the Government of the State of Israel on co-operation in the field of Geophysical Exploration.

7) Memorandum of Understanding between Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, of the Republic of India and Israel Antiquities Authority- Underwater Archaeology Unit for development of National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), Lothal at Gujarat.

8) Declaration of Intent between the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology of the State of Israel and Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Republic of India on cooperation in the field of Horizon Scanning.

9) Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of the Republic of India and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security of the State of Israel on Cooperation in the field of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

10) Presentation of Report of the 4th India Israel CEO Forum.

11) Implementation Protocol C to the Agreement between the Government of the State of Israel and the Government of the Republic of India on Facilitation of the Temporary Employment of Indian Workers in Specific Labor Market Sectors in the State of Israel in Commerce and Services Sector.

12) Implementation Protocol E to the Agreement between the Government of the State of Israel and the Government of the Republic of India on Facilitation of the Temporary Employment of Indian Workers in Specific Labor Market Sectors in the State of Israel in Manufacturing Sector.

13) Implementation Protocol D to the Agreement between the Government of the State of Israel and the Government of the Republic of India on Facilitation of the Temporary Employment of Indian Workers in Specific Labor Market Sectors in the State of Israel in Restaurant Sector.

14) MOU between NPCI International Payments Limited and MASAV for linking payment systems of India and Israel (Linking of UPI with Israeli Payment system).

15) Agreement on Cooperation between Israeli Institute of Commercial Arbitration (IICA) and Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA).

16) Memorandum of Understanding between the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) And Israel Securities Authority (ISA) in relation to mutual cooperation.

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining high-level engagement between the governments, industries, and peoples of both nations, with a shared vision of building an enduring India–Israel partnership that harnesses the ambitions of our knowledge-driven economies to forge a future defined by creativity, technology, collaboration, and shared success.

Your Excellency Prime Minister and my friend Mr. Netanyahu,
Mrs. Netanyahu,
Distinguished delegates of both countries,
Friends from media,

Namaskar!

“Shalom!”

I once again express my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Netanyahu for the warm reception extended to me and the Indian delegation.

Nine years ago, I had the privilege of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel. Once again, it is a proud and deeply emotional moment for me to set foot on the historic land of Israel.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to address the Parliament of Israel as well. On that occasion, I was honoured with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal. I express my sincere gratitude to the Knesset, to the Hon’ble Speaker, to my friend Prime Minister Netanyahu, and to the people of Israel for this distinguished honour. I dedicate this recognition to the 1.4 billion people of India and to the enduring friendship between India and Israel.

Friends,

Our relationship is founded upon deep trust, shared democratic values, and strong humanitarian bonds. Our ties have stood the test of time.

Today, we have taken the historic decision to elevate our time-tested partnership to the level of a “Special Strategic Partnership.” This decision reflects the aspirations of the people of both our nations.

Friends,

In today’s meeting, we discussed imparting new direction and greater momentum to our cooperation. Our economic partnership continues to serve as an engine of growth, innovation, and shared prosperity.

To further promote mutual investments, we concluded a Bilateral Investment Agreement last year. We will also soon finalize a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement.

Technology lies at the heart of our future partnership. Today, we have decided to establish a Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership. This will impart fresh momentum to cooperation in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum technologies, and Critical Minerals.

I am pleased that an agreement has been concluded to enable the use of UPI in Israel. In the field of Digital Health as well, we remain committed to improving the lives of our people by sharing our experiences and best practices.

We have enjoyed decades of trusted cooperation in the field of defence. The Memorandum of Understanding concluded last year will add new dimensions to this partnership. Together, we will advance towards joint development, joint production, and transfer of technology.

At the same time, we will further strengthen our cooperation in areas such as civil nuclear energy and space.

Friends,

Agricultural cooperation between our two countries has a long and successful history. Today, we have resolved to give this collaboration a futuristic direction.

The Centres of Excellence established in India with Israel’s cooperation stand today as outstanding examples of our friendship. Encouraged by their success, we have set a target to expand their number to 100.

Taking this cooperation a step further, we are working towards the creation of Villages of Excellence. This initiative will bring Israeli technology to villages across India and significantly enhance the income and productivity of millions of farmers.

Together, we will also develop future-ready farming solutions. The establishment of the “India-Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture” in India will provide a strong foundation for advancing this collaboration.

Friends,

Our people-to-people ties constitute an important pillar of our relationship. Through the Manpower Mobility Agreement concluded in 2023, India has made a significant contribution to Israel’s construction and caregiving sectors. Indian workers have earned trust through their diligence, commitment, and skill.

I am pleased that this cooperation is being expanded to areas such as commerce and services as well. Connecting the youth, researchers, and innovators of both our countries has been a key priority for us. In this direction, we are establishing the India-Israel Academic Forum today.

Friends,

Today, we held wide-ranging discussions on regional and global issues. As we promote regional connectivity, we will move forward with renewed momentum on the India-Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and India–Israel–UAE–USA (I2U2).

Friends,

India and Israel are unequivocal in their position that:

Terrorism has no place in the world.
In any form, and in any manifestation,
terrorism cannot be accepted.

We have stood shoulder to shoulder in opposing terrorism and those who support it, and we will continue to do so.

Peace and stability in West Asia are directly linked to India’s security interests. Therefore, from the very beginning, we have supported dialogue and a peaceful resolution of issues. This is the call of the Global South and of humanity as a whole.

India’s position is clear:

Humanity must never become a victim of conflict. The Gaza Peace Plan has opened a pathway towards peace. India has extended its full support to these efforts. In the future as well, we will continue to engage in dialogue and cooperation with all countries.

Excellency, My Dear Friend,

Your warmth and gracious hospitality have made my visit truly memorable. I once again express my heartfelt gratitude for the affection, goodwill, and respect that I have received from you and from the people of Israel.

Thank you very much.

“Todah Rabbah”
DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s address. Original address was delivered in Hindi.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed today a Special Plenary of the Knesset in Jerusalem. He is the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli parliament.

Upon his arrival at the Knesset, Prime Minister was received by the Speaker of the Knesset, H.E. Amir Ohana and accorded a ceremonial welcome. The Prime Minister of Israel, H.E. Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu; Leader of Opposition, H.E. Mr Yair Lapid; and Speaker Ohana spoke in the Plenary ahead of Prime Minister’s address, expressing strong bipartisan support for India-Israel ties.

Prime Minister began his address by thanking the Speaker for the special honour. Highlighting the strong bonds of friendship between India and Israel, Prime Minister noted that the two peoples share both ancient civilizational ties and a robust contemporary partnership based on technology, innovation, defence, security and strategic convergences. He stated that the vibrant people-to-people ties based on cooperation in agriculture, rural development, water management, sustainability and enterprise have imparted a dynamic outlook to the relationship. Underlining the historical connections and two-way movement of people between the two countries, Prime Minister stated that the Indian community in Israel and the Jewish diaspora in India have made significant contribution to progress in both countries.

Recalling the uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism of the two countries, Prime Minister offered condolences for the October 7 terror attack and noted that there can be no justification for such brutality. He offered India’s support to all efforts that contribute to durable peace and stability in the region. In this context, he highlighted India’s firm support for the Gaza Peace Initiative endorsed by the UN Security Council. Noting the ongoing collaboration between India and Israel in the plurilateral arena, he called for deeper interaction between the two countries in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor [IMEC] and the I2U2 frameworks.

Prime Minister highlighted India’s growth story and sought greater bilateral collaboration in the fields of trade, investment, infrastructure development, green growth, start-ups, digital solutions and emerging technologies, unlocking the innovation and creativity of the youth. Expressing satisfaction at the conclusion of the Bilateral Investment Treaty, he called for early finalisation of an ambitious Free Trade Agreement to realise the untapped trade potential.

Prime Minister called for greater parliamentary interaction between the two vibrant democracies taking advantage of the recently formed Parliamentary Friendship Group for Israel in India. Drawing parallels between the ethos of the two civilizations, Prime Minister noted that India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam [the world is one family] and the Israeli principle of Tikkum Olam [healing the world] speak of shared approaches towards a harmonious society. Prime Minister thanked the members of the Knesset for their contribution to India-Israel ties and conveyed good wishes for the upcoming festival of Purim.

After his address, Prime Minister was bestowed with the “Medal of the Knesset,” by the Speaker of the Knesset, H.E. Amir Ohana. Prime Minister dedicated the honour to the enduring friendship between India and Israel. The full address of Prime Minister may be seen here [link]

​Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi arrived in Israel today on a State Visit. In a special gesture, on arrival at the airport in Tel Aviv, he was received by the Prime Minister of Israel H.E. Benjamin Netanyahu and his spouse Mrs. Sara Netanyahu and accorded a ceremonial welcome.

Following the arrival ceremony, the two Prime Ministers held a brief one-on-one meeting. At the hotel, Prime Minister was accorded a warm and enthusiastic welcome by the members of the Indian community and the representatives of the Jewish Indian diaspora. The reception was marked by vibrant cultural performances by Indian and Israeli artistes, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal delivered the keynote address at the 27th edition of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards, in Mumbai today evening. The Union Minister gave away the awards in the program that brought together leading entrepreneurs, industry captains and startup founders from across the country.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Goyal underscored that India’s youth and human capital are at the heart of the nation’s growth story. Reflecting on interactions with founders and business leaders, the Union Commerce and Industry Minister said that passion, innovation and skilled manpower are India’s biggest competitive advantages. Referring to the recently concluded AI Summit in New Delhi, the Union Minister stated,  the global response demonstrated the depth and maturity of India’s innovation ecosystem and technological capabilities.

On concerns around Artificial Intelligence and employment, Shri Goyal said, AI would transform jobs rather than eliminate them. He noted that India produces around 2.3 million STEM graduates every year and possesses an unmatched pool of young, adaptable and ambitious talent. Drawing parallels with the Y2K era, he described AI as the next inflection point that will create better opportunities, higher-value work, stronger exports and deeper global integration for Indian businesses, while also increasing demand for skilled professionals in areas such as cybersecurity, data protection and system governance.

The Union Commerce and Industry Minister also highlighted India’s expanding global trade footprint, stating that the country has concluded nine Free Trade Agreements covering 38 nations, giving Indian businesses preferential access to nearly two-thirds of global trade. These agreements, will help Indian goods, services, agricultural and fisheries products, and labour-intensive sectors reach new markets, integrate into global value chains and enhance talent mobility, he further stated.

Emphasising that self-reliance does not mean isolation, Shri Goyal said, Aatmanirbhar Bharat is about building resilient, trusted and diversified supply chains through global engagement. Calling upon entrepreneurs and industry leaders to take global opportunities to MSMEs, farmers, exporters and fishermen across the country, Union Minister Shri Goyal expressed confidence that young India will lead the nation through Amrit Kaal towards becoming a developed economy by 2047.

Congratulating the award winners, Shri Goyal said India’s growth journey will continue relentlessly, powered by its entrepreneurs and youth, and urged all stakeholders to work collectively to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat.

At the invitation of my dear friend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I will be undertaking a State Visit to Israel from 25-26 February 2026.

India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, technology, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties. We will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

During the visit, I will also meet with H.E. Mr. Isaac Herzog, President of Israel. I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations.

I also eagerly look forward to interacting with the members of the Indian diaspora who have for long been nurturing the India-Israel special friendship.

I am confident that my State Visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the Strategic Partnership, and advance our shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future.

The Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Smt. Nemcha Kipgen and Shri Losii Dikho, met the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today.

PMO shared on X:

CM of Manipur, Shri @YKhemchandSingh, alongwith Deputy CMs, Smt. @KipgenNemcha, Shri Losii Dikho met Prime Minister @narendramodi.

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the proposal for alteration of name of State of ‘Kerala’ as ‘Keralam’.

After approval of Union Cabinet, the  President of India will refer a Bill, namely the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the State Legislative Assembly of Kerala for expressing its views under proviso to article 3 of the Constitution of India. After receipt of the views of the State Legislative Assembly of Kerala, Government of India will take further action and the recommendation of President will be obtained for introduction of the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 for alteration of name of State of ‘Kerala’ as ‘Keralam’ in Parliament.

Legislative Assembly of Kerala passed a resolution on 24.06.2024 to alter the name of the State of “Kerala” to “Keralam”, which is as under:

“The name of our State is ‘Keralam’ in Malayalam Language. States were formed on the basis of language on the 1st day of November, 1956. The Kerala Piravi Day is also on the 1st day of November. Since the time of National Independence Struggle, there has been a strong demand for the formation of United Kerala for the people speaking Malayalam language. But in the First Schedule to the Constitution the name of our State is recorded as ‘Kerala’. This Assembly unanimously appeal to the Central Government to take urgent steps as per Article 3 of the Constitution for modifying the name as ‘Keralam’.”

Thereafter, Government of Kerala has requested Government of India to take necessary steps to amend the First Schedule to the Constitution by altering the name of State of ‘Kerala’ as ‘Keralam’ as per article 3 of the Constitution.

Article 3 of the Constitution provides for alteration of names of existing States. According to article 3, Parliament may by law alter the name of any State. Further proviso to article 3 states that no Bill for the purpose shall be introduced in either House of Parliament except on the recommendation of the President and unless, where the proposal contained in the Bill affects the area, boundaries or name of any of the States, the Bill has been referred by the President to the Legislature of that State for expressing its views thereon within such period as may be specified in the reference or within such further period as the President may allow and the period so specified or allowed has expired.

The matter regarding alteration of name of State of ‘Kerala’ as ‘Keralam’ was considered in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and with the approval of Shri Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home Affairs and the Union Minister of Cooperation, the draft Note for the Cabinet for the alteration of name of State of ‘Kerala’ as ‘Keralam’ was circulated to the Department of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice for their comments. The Department of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice have concurred with the proposal for the alteration of name of State of ‘Kerala’ as ‘Keralam’.