India, Israel to renew pact on security amid regional churn

New Delhi: India and Israel are expected to renew their security pact amid fast changing geopolitical realities and West Asian dynamics during PM Narendra Modi's two-day Israel visit beginning Wednesday.

The negotiations for renewing the bilateral security pact are ongoing and are expected to be concluded during the PM's trip, ET has learnt. India and Israel have been cooperating closely to counter international terror.

The visit follows UAE president's India's trip that witnessed the launch of a bilateral defence pact in the backdrop of a Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence agreement and growing tensions between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.


The renewal of the India-Israel security pact and India-UAE defence pact must be viewed in the backdrop of growing strategic convergence in West Asia between New Delhi-Abu Dhabi-Jerusalem amid threats from extremism and possibilities of high-tech collaboration.

Since the Abraham Accord 1.0, UAE and Israel have developed closer strategic, economic and high-tech partnership. On the other hand, India's ties with both Israel and the UAE have deepened across sectors. India, UAE and Israel are also part of I2U2 and IMEC.

Announcing Modi's visit, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday referred to an evolution of a bigger alliance in the wider West Asian region comprising India, some Arab states, Greece and Cyprus. This alliance is in the backdrop of growing strategic partnership between India and Greece and trilateral relations between India, Greece and Cyprus in the Mediterranean region. The context is growing ambitions of Turkey that have alarmed countries in the region and beyond.

"This (Sunday) morning, at the opening of our Cabinet meeting, I spoke about the historic visit of my dear friend, Prime Minister @narendramodi, to Israel this coming Wednesday. The bond between Israel and India is a powerful alliance between two global leaders. We are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision. Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress. From AI to regional cooperation, our partnership continues to reach new heights. Looking forward to seeing you in Jerusalem, PM Modi!," Netanyahyu wrote on X.

In response Modi wrote on X, "Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu. I fully agree with you on the bond between India and Israel as well as the diverse nature of our bilateral relations. India deeply values the enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation and a shared commitment to peace and progress. Looking forward to our discussions during my upcoming Israel visit".