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Benjamin Netanyahu said India has a unique place in Israel's global outreach and praised strong public support. His remarks came months after Narendra Modi's visit raised bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership.
India and Israel have sharply expanded cooperation in defence, technology, and innovation. (Photo: X/@narendramodi)
UPDATED: May 29, 2026 01:36 IST
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again highlighted the growing warmth between India and Israel, saying he sees stronger support from India than from almost anywhere else in the world.
Speaking at a conference in the West Bank on Thursday, Netanyahu said India has a special place in Israel's global outreach strategy. He described the relationship as unique and said public affection towards Israel inside India was unusually strong.
"We have problems with delegitimisation in the world, but not in India," Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu:
I’ll say this: we face delegitimization in much of the world — but not in India.
In India, there is an absolutely crazy love for Israel, truly crazy.
I think I have more followers from India than from anywhere else. pic.twitter.com/FRIo2cdVb3— Clash Report (@clashreport) May 28, 2026
"In India, there is an absolutely crazy love for Israel, truly crazy. I think I have more followers in India than anywhere else," he added.
His remarks come months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel in February for a major state visit that pushed bilateral relations to a new level.
SPECIAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
During PM Modi's visit to Jerusalem on February 26, the two leaders announced the elevation of India-Israel ties to a "Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity". According to a joint statement released after the talks, both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in areas including defence, trade, technology, cyber security, agriculture, energy and artificial intelligence.
The two leaders also discussed expanding work in semiconductors, quantum technology, fintech, biotechnology and digital healthcare. They called for an early conclusion of the proposed Free Trade Agreement and stressed the importance of stronger business and investment links.
PM Modi also backed the Gaza Peace Plan during discussions with Netanyahu and called for peace and stability in the region.
The visit further strengthened the close ties between the countries. PM Modi and Netanyahu's relationship has often been seen as one of the strongest political partnerships between India and Israel since diplomatic ties were fully established in 1992.
FIRST VISIT MARKED TURNING POINT
PM Modi's first visit to Israel in 2017 had already marked a historic turning point in relations between the two countries. He became the first Indian prime minister ever to visit Israel.
That trip was widely viewed as a signal that New Delhi was willing to openly deepen ties with Israel without the hesitation seen in earlier decades.
Since then, India and Israel have sharply expanded cooperation in defence, technology, and innovation. Israel has also become one of India's key defence suppliers.
India is now among Israel's largest trading partners in Asia, while cooperation in technology and defence continues to grow rapidly. Both countries are also part of larger regional initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the I2U2 grouping involving India, Israel, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
- Ends
With inputs from agencies
Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
May 29, 2026 01:36 IST
