EAM Jaishankar holds talks with Israel PM Netanyahu on deepening bilateral ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in technology, economy, connectivity and security and expressed confidence that the bilateral strategic partnership will grow “from strength to strength”.

Mr. Jaishankar arrived in Israel on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, for a two-day visit, during which he called on President Isaac Herzog and held talks with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar and Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat.

He met with Mr. Netanyahu later in the day.

“I deeply appreciate the call made by Israeli Prime Minister @netanyahu in Jerusalem this evening. He conveyed warm wishes from Prime Minister @narendramodi. We discussed deepening cooperation in technology, economy, skills and talent, connectivity and security,” Mr. Jaishankar said in an X post.

“He valued their perspectives on regional and global developments. I trust that our Strategic Partnership will grow stronger,” he added.

Mr. Netanyahu also accepted the meeting by sharing photos from the meeting on his social media post.

Mr. Jaishankar’s visit comes as preparations are underway for Mr. Netanyahu’s planned trip to India.

Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Modi spoke on the phone recently, after which the Israeli leader said the two would “meet very soon.”

Mr. Jaishankar arrived in Tel Aviv from Abu Dhabi, where he attended the high-profile Sir Bani Yas Forum. He also participated in the 16th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting and the 5th round of the India-UAE Strategic Dialogue held on 15 December.