Netanyahu Praises PM Modi, Calls India-Israel Ties an Unprecedented Partnership

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has renewed his appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted the growing depth of India-Israel relations in a message marking the Jewish New Year.

Netanyahu’s remarks came after Prime Minister Modi conveyed Rosh Hashanah greetings to the Israeli leadership, people of Israel and Jewish communities around the world. Modi wished for peace, hope, good health and progress during the new year.

In his response on September 14, Netanyahu thanked Modi for the gesture and specifically acknowledged his leadership and friendship. The Israeli leader said that the relationship between India and Israel has undergone a significant transformation, developing links between their two ancient civilisations into what he described as an unprecedented partnership between two democracies.

Netanyahu also indicated that he and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, were looking forward to meeting Modi again. The message comes after several high-level engagements between the two governments during 2026, reflecting the continued political momentum behind bilateral ties.

The relationship has expanded considerably beyond traditional diplomatic engagement. India and Israel cooperate in areas including defence, security, technology, innovation and economic development. Defence cooperation, in particular, has remained an important part of the strategic relationship, with both countries pursuing greater collaboration in advanced security and military technologies.

The latest exchange also follows continued discussions between Modi and Netanyahu on the wider security situation in West Asia. In August, the two leaders reviewed developments in the region and discussed progress in the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership, which both sides have been seeking to strengthen across multiple sectors.

India’s relationship with Israel has gained additional strategic importance as geopolitical and security challenges continue to evolve across West Asia. New Delhi has maintained engagement with multiple countries in the region while emphasising dialogue, diplomacy and stability.

Netanyahu’s latest comments therefore underline the political significance attached to the India-Israel relationship at the leadership level. His reference to the partnership between the two democracies reflects the broader expansion of bilateral cooperation from diplomatic ties into a wide-ranging strategic relationship.

With defence, technology and security cooperation continuing to remain key areas of engagement, the latest exchange between Modi and Netanyahu signals that both sides remain committed to strengthening their partnership in the years ahead.