Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Israeli companies to explore opportunities in India for investment, manufacturing, and technology partnerships, as the two nations move to deepen trade and innovation ties.
Accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, PM Modi visited an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge Israeli innovations across sectors such as agri-tech, water-tech, climate-tech, health-biotech, smart mobility, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and quantum technologies. He noted that these advancements hold immense potential to scale up India-Israel collaboration in innovation, start-ups, and business partnerships — particularly in agriculture, water management, healthcare, and digital services.
The two countries are advancing cooperation under the "India-Israel Innovation Bridge" initiative to develop solutions for modern-day challenges. During the visit, the Prime Minister interacted with scientists, tech entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Companies including Quantum Machines and Classiq presented developments in quantum computing and software, while firms such as Mobileye and Check Point Software Technologies highlighted advancements in road safety and cybersecurity. Other innovations on display ranged from AI-powered medical diagnostics and water-from-air technology to precision irrigation, sustainable agriculture solutions, and space technologies showcased by Israel Aerospace Industries.
Addressing the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset — becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so — PM Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to expanding bilateral trade, strengthening investment flows, and promoting joint infrastructure development. He emphasised that the Bilateral Investment Treaty signed last year would enhance confidence and predictability for businesses in both countries.
Highlighting the growth in bilateral goods trade, he said both sides are working toward an ambitious Free Trade Agreement to unlock untapped potential. He also underscored cooperation through multilateral initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the I2U2 framework involving India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States.
Referring to Israel as the "start-up nation," PM Modi noted the strong alignment between Israel's innovation ecosystem and India's growing start-up landscape. He recalled the launch of the iCreate Technology Business Incubator in 2018, which has since supported nearly 900 start-ups.
The Prime Minister also highlighted collaboration in advanced sectors including quantum technologies, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence, as well as efforts to build cross-border financial linkages using India's Digital Public Infrastructure. In agriculture, he praised Israel's expertise in precision irrigation and water management, noting that 43 Centres of Excellence established across India have trained over half a million farmers. He proposed expanding these centres to 100 to benefit millions more farmers and fishermen.
Overall, PM Modi emphasised that India and Israel share strong synergies in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, and are committed to transforming their partnership into a broader economic and strategic collaboration.
(With inputs from IANS)
