changeadminRecognising the critical role of water and agriculture in sustainable development, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed the importance of strengthening the partnership in environmental protection, water, and agriculture.
The partnership focuses on key areas of water conservation, wastewater treatment and its reuse for agriculture, desalination, water utility reforms, and the cleaning of the Ganges and other rivers using advanced water technologies.
This was part of a series of agreements signed by Prime Minister Modi on a state visit to Israel from 25 to 26 February 2026 as the two sides decided to elevate the Strategic Partnership to a new level – ‘A Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation & Prosperity.’
Prime Minister Netanyahu and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining high-level engagement between the governments, industries, and peoples of both nations, with a shared vision of building an enduring partnership between India and Israel.
India and Israel’s bilateral relationship spans diverse domains, including emerging technologies, cyber, agriculture, water management, health, entrepreneurship, defence, and security.
The Prime Ministers also agreed to strengthen the ongoing agricultural capacity-building program in Israel. This multifaceted program benefits thousands of Indian farmers through training, the introduction of unique and innovative techniques and knowledge transfer.
The Prime Ministers of the two countries were apprised of the progress of the 35 centres of excellence in agriculture already operating and the 8 being jointly operationalised in various locations across India.
Both leaders noted with satisfaction that more than a million Indian farmers have been trained at these centres of excellence so far.
The Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the MOU between ICAR and MASHAV regarding the India – Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture (IINCA). This initiative will drive innovation and research, enhance productivity, and promote sustainable growth in agriculture.
Both leaders also welcomed the launch of 20 Joint Fellowships for Agricultural Research by Indian researchers at the Volcani Agriculture Research Organisation.
Both leaders welcomed the signing of the Declaration of Intent on cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture in January 2026 and agreed to strengthen cooperation in this area, including by setting up a Joint Centre of Excellence in Fisheries and Aquaculture.
The Prime Ministers underlined the importance of cooperation in the field of environment and climate change and agreed to hold bilateral consultations to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders on climate action, including capacity building and examining possibilities for technology transfer, as well as to jointly promote a circular economy, protect biodiversity, and prevent environmental pollution.
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