COUNTRY RELATIONSHIP · ISRAEL
India & Israel
A strategic partnership that has matured fastest in the last decade. India and Israel cooperate closely on defence, water management, agriculture, and increasingly on technology and counter-terrorism. Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1992; the relationship was upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2017.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Israel actually work together
6 active areas of cooperation, as of 12 May 2026
Long-running and broad-based
Israel is among India's top defence suppliers. Cooperation spans drones, missiles, radars, and joint development of 'Make in India' platforms. Defence offset reform raised local share to 60% in 2025.
Drip irrigation, dairy, horticulture
30 Centres of Excellence operate across Indian states under the ICAR-MASHAV programme. Drip irrigation and water reuse technologies inform Indian state programmes across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
Innovation bridge
Joint Industrial R&D fund supports startups working on cyber, AI, semiconductors, and agri-tech. CEPA negotiations are expected to deepen technology trade between the two countries.
Diversifying beyond defence
Bilateral trade in goods has more than tripled since 2017. Diamonds remain the largest single category, with chemicals and electronics rising as new export categories.
Tourism, education, diaspora
Indian tourist arrivals to Israel doubled between 2018 and 2024. Academic exchanges and joint research programmes expanded under a bilateral MOU.
I2U2 and Abraham Accords adjacency
India coordinates with Israel through the I2U2 grouping (with UAE and USA) on food security, energy, and connectivity projects. The Abraham Accords opened new Gulf coordination channels.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
All figures FY 2023–24 unless noted. Source: DGFT, Ministry of Commerce.
Trade trajectory · USD bn
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1992, in 12 dates
Diplomatic relations established
Sharon visits India - first Israeli PM
Israel becomes top arms supplier to India
Modi visits - strategic partnership declared
Indo-Israel Agricultural Plan established
I2U2 grouping formed with UAE, USA
IMEC corridor announced at G20 New Delhi
CEPA negotiations relaunched (4th round)
Joint cyber working group established
Defence offset reform - local share to 60%
India-Israel Innovation Bridge expanded
High-level dialogue, May 2026
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, May 2026
The relationship is in an upgrade cycle. CEPA negotiations re-opened in late 2024 are now in their fourth round, with market access in services and tariff lines on agriculture as the remaining hard questions. Defence trade has been steady, with new orders for unmanned systems and missile components placed in the last 18 months. The 30 Agricultural Centres of Excellence are being expanded into a fourth phase with state-level co-funding. On the multilateral track, the IMEC corridor remains the headline initiative; progress depends on regional stability, which has shaped Indian commentary since late 2023.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
IN CONTEXT