India and Israel Pledge Cooperation Against Terrorism During Modi's Visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Thursday during his visit to Israel that India and Israel have pledged cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

This is PM Modi's second visit to Israel since becoming Prime Minister in 2014.

During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Indian Prime Minister Modi said, "India and Israel are clear that there is no place for terrorism in the world. We will stand shoulder to shoulder against terrorism."

He added, "Humanity should never be a victim of conflict."

A day earlier, addressing the Israeli parliament, Prime Minister Modi discussed cooperation between Israel and India in various sectors, including technology and energy, for the future.

"We will move forward together towards joint development, production, and technology transfer," he said.

He added, "At the same time, we will also advance our cooperation in areas like civil nuclear energy and space."

Both leaders announced the visit as an initiative aimed at deepening trade and technological cooperation. They stated that discussions were held regarding progress towards a free trade agreement and expanding avenues for investment and innovation. Prime Minister Modi also announced an agreement to bring India's 'UPI system' to the Israeli market for everything from semiconductors and artificial intelligence to digital payment integration.

Israeli officials characterized the visit as an expression of a strong and expanded partnership, with Netanyahu describing Modi as "more than a friend, a brother."

Netanyahu, standing next to Modi on Thursday, said, "The future belongs to those who innovate, and Israel and India are engaged in innovation."

He added, "We are proud of ancient civilizations, very proud of our past. But we are fully determined to control the future, we can do it even better."

On Thursday, in the presence of the two leaders, more than a dozen agreements were signed between the two countries in the fields of education, geographical exploration, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Modi's visit comes as diplomatic efforts continue in the region to de-escalate tensions surrounding the Middle East and the Gaza conflict.