NEW DELHI

India and Israel on Thursday elevated bilateral ties and decided to establish a partnership in critical and emerging technologies.

This was announced during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Israel, where he held talks with his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

In his remarks to reporters, Modi said the two nations have taken the “historic” decision to elevate ties to the status of a “special strategic partnership.”

He said India and Israel also decided to partner in critical and emerging technologies.

“This will give new momentum to cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum, and critical minerals,” he said, adding that New Delhi and Tel Aviv will soon conclude a “mutually beneficial" free trade agreement.

During the high-level talks between the two sides, at least 16 pacts were signed in diverse sectors.

"We will further our work in civil nuclear energy and space fields. Together, we will develop future-ready farming solutions. We will work on creating villages of excellence," said the Indian prime minister.

Modi said New Delhi and Tel Aviv will also pursue joint development, production, and transfer of technology in the defense sector.

About Gaza, he said: "Humanity must never become a victim of conflict."

"A path to peace has been created through the Gaza peace plan," he said, adding: “India has fully supported these efforts. In the future as well, we will continue dialogue and cooperation with all countries."