Jerusalem, Feb 26 (.)– India and Israel on Thursday signed 27 memorandums of understanding (MoUs), agreements and joint announcements spanning technology, agriculture, finance, labour mobility, education and culture, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel.
The two countries also elevated their relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership,” signalling deeper strategic and economic engagement.
Among the key agreements was an MoU between NPCI International and Israel’s Automated Banking Services (MASAV) to enable cross-border remittances through India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Another major pact established the India-Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to develop next-generation farming technologies, including precision agriculture, satellite-based irrigation and advanced pest management.
MoU on co-operation in the field of geophysical exploration. The MoU enhances India–Israel cooperation in mineral exploration using advanced geophysical and AI technologies, promoting data sharing, investment, and sustainable resource development. Another MoU for development ofNational Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), Lothalat Gujarat. The MoU promotes India–Israel collaboration to celebrate shared maritime heritage through exhibitions, research, publications, and expertise exchange, supporting the National Maritime Heritage Complex and wider public engagement.
Cultural Exchange Programme for the period 2026-2029. The CEP fosters India–Israel cultural ties through exchanges in music, theatre, visual arts, dance, and other creative fields via festivals, workshops, and expert visits, deepening mutual understanding.
MoU between NPCI International (NIPL) and MASAV, Israel, on the implementation of UPI. The MoU aims to enable cross-border remittances between India and Israel via the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
MoU between ICAR and MASHAV on establishment of the India-Israel Innovation Centre forAgriculture (IINCA). The MoU establishes a Joint Innovation Centre at ICAR to develop next-generation agricultural technologies—such as precision farming, satellite-based irrigation, advanced machinery, and integrated pest management—and support germplasm exchange, demonstrations, post-harvest solutions, and capacity-building.
Declaration of Intent on cooperation in the field of Horizon Scanning. The DoI fosters India–Israel collaboration in advanced horizon scanning to strengthen strategic foresight, risk assessment, and technology planning through joint research, capacity building and AI-driven tools.
MoU on Cooperation in the field of Fisheries and Aquaculture The MoU enhances India–Israel cooperation in sustainable, technology-driven fisheries and aquaculture—covering advanced systems, disease management, mariculture, and seaweed—through R&D, trade, training, innovation, and Centre of Excellence.
MoU between International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) and Israel Securities Authority (ISA) The Authorities aim to advance cooperation in financial services through information exchange, best practices, fintech and regtech collaboration, and updates on key sector developments to foster an innovation-driven ecosystem.
Implementation Protocol on Labour Mobility in Commerce and Services Sector The Protocol enables Indian workers to access employment in Israel through regulated channels across sectors like retail, cleaning, logistics, warehousing, food processing, hospitality, and recycling.
Implementation Protocol on Labour Mobility in Manufacturing Sector It covers recruitment across various manufacturing industries, including textiles, metals, electronics, chemicals, food processing, wood and paper, plastics, rubber, and other industrial sectors.
Implementation Protocol on Labour Mobility in the Restaurant Sector It covers recruitment in restaurants, cafés, and other food preparation and sales businesses. MoU on the Cooperation in advancing Education through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) The cooperation focuses on developing AI-powered, human-centered learning—covering innovative pedagogy, teacher development, regulatory frameworks, equitable AI access, research exchange, and integrating AI and data literacy for inclusive, future-ready education.
Agreement on Cooperation between Israeli Institute of Commercial Arbitration (IICA) and Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) The Agreement promotes cooperation in arbitration and mediation through knowledge exchange, best practices, and joint training to strengthen expertise in both countries.
Presentation of Report of the 4th India-Israel CEO Forum The fourth CEOs Forum was held in Israel in November 2025 and a Joint Report was presented to the Governments of both sides. The Report provides insights and recommendations to align policies with industry trends, promote public-private collaboration, and support informed economic decision-making.
MoU between Nalanda University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) The MoU establishes a framework for faculty and student exchanges between the two universities in a range of disciplines, including Buddhist studies, archaeology, mathematics, and international relations.
Letter of Intent on establishment of Indo-Israel Cyber Centre of Excellence in India The LoI establishes a Joint Cyber Centre of Excellence in India to showcase cybersecurity best practices, emerging technologies, and digital resilience, fostering collaboration among government, industry, and academia.
The two sides also signed agreements on cooperation in artificial intelligence, including AI-driven education systems, geophysical mineral exploration using advanced technologies, fisheries and aquaculture, and the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal in Gujarat.
Financial sector cooperation was strengthened through an MoU between India’s International Financial Services Centres Authority and the Israel Securities Authority to promote fintech and regulatory collaboration. A Declaration of Intent on “Horizon Scanning” was signed to enhance strategic foresight and technology planning.
Labour mobility featured prominently, with implementation protocols covering Indian workers in commerce, services, manufacturing and the restaurant sector. The two sides also announced a quota of up to 50,000 Indian workers over the next five years.
In the education and research sector, agreements included the establishment of an Indo-Israel Cyber Centre of Excellence, 20 joint fellowships in agricultural research, enhanced joint research funding, and the launch of an India-Israel Academic Cooperation Forum. Nalanda University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem signed an MoU for faculty and student exchanges.
Other initiatives announced included elevating the Joint Committee on Science and Technology to the ministerial level, launching a Financial Dialogue, creating a Tech-Gateway Initiative, and forming an India-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group.
A report of the 4th India-Israel CEO Forum was also presented to both governments, offering recommendations to strengthen public-private collaboration and align economic policy with industry trends.
Ten announcements were made, including the elevation of the relationship to Special Strategic Partnership, JCM on Science and Technology elevated to Ministerial level, Initiative to collaborate in Critical and Emerging Technologies led by National Security Advisors, Financial Dialogue, Tech-Gateway Initiative, 20 Joint Fellowships in Agricultural Research, increase of contribution of both sides for the Joint Research Calls, Quota of up to 50,000 Indian workers over the next 5 years; India-Israel Academic Cooperation Forum, India- Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group
The wide-ranging outcomes reflect expanding cooperation across strategic, economic and people-to-people domains as both countries seek to deepen bilateral engagement.
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