Overview
- Netanyahu made the remarks at a West Bank conference on Thursday, saying India gives Israel "absolutely crazy love" and that he has more followers there than anywhere else.
- The comments come after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's February state visit, when both leaders elevated ties to a Special Strategic Partnership covering defence, technology and trade.
- Reporting makes clear no new bilateral deals were announced with these remarks, though officials continue to pursue cooperation in AI, cybersecurity, semiconductors, biotechnology and defence.
- Israeli leaders are using the India relationship to broaden international backing as Israel faces criticism in other countries, a strategy that could deepen defence sales and tech partnerships.
- The India–Israel relationship has warmed since 2017 and was reinforced by a 2025 defence MoU and the February summit, creating institutional channels that could soon shape finance links or a trade pact.