New Delhi/Jerusalem 26 February (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday that India-Israel relations rest on deep trust, shared democratic values, and human sensitivities, with both nations poised to finalize a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) soon.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi hailed the bond's resilience across tests of time, reflecting popular aspirations. The leaders established a Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership to accelerate collaboration in AI, quantum computing, and critical minerals. Modi welcomed UPI adoption in Israel and pledged deeper digital health ties.

PM Modi highlighted decades of reliable defense cooperation, with new MoUs ushering joint development, production, and tech transfer. He advocated expanding civilian nuclear energy and space partnerships.

Labeling agriculture ties future-oriented, PM Modi noted 100 Centers of Excellence with Israeli aid, aiming for expansion alongside Villages of Excellence and an India-Israel Innovation Center to boost farmer incomes and productivity.

The 2023 Manpower Mobility Agreement has integrated Indian workers into Israel's construction and caregiving sectors, now extending to commerce and services. An India-Israel Academic Forum will connect youth, researchers, and innovators.

The duo committed to accelerating IMEC and I2U2 initiatives. On terrorism, PM Modi reiterated zero tolerance: India and Israel stand shoulder-to-shoulder against terror and its backers.

PM Modi stressed West Asia's peace as vital to India's security, backing dialogue, Gaza peace plans, and cooperation amid conflict: Humanity must never become a victim of strife.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar