Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said Israel is investing heavily in its relationship with India, describing Prime Minister Narendra
Modi as "one of our greatest friends" and praising the support Israel has received from the country. Speaking about Israel's foreign relations, Netanyahu said India was among the countries with which Israel was seeking to strengthen ties. "We need to cultivate additional alliances," he said. "That's why I'm investing heavily in our relationship with India, with my friend Narendra, who is one of our greatest friends." Netanyahu also praised India's support for Israel, saying: "They say Israel is isolated. The support that Israel—and I personally—receive in India is simply unbelievable." In February, Netanyahu, while highlighting the strong bond between India and Israel, said he receives “more followers from India than anywhere else” at a time when, according to him, Israel faces criticism and attempts at “delegitimisation” in several parts of the world.
🇮🇱🇮🇳 Netanyahu:
"We need to cultivate additional alliances...
That's why I'm investing heavily in our relationship with India, with my friend Narendra, who is one of our greatest friends."
It's only natural that he would seek other alliances; literally, almost the entire…— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 3, 2026
Addressing an event, Netanyahu said, “We have a unique relationship with a huge power called India. In India, there's support for Israel. We face delegitimisation 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.”
His remarks come as India and Israel continue to expand cooperation across a number of strategic sectors, including defence, technology, trade and innovation.
Netanyahu has played a prominent role in strengthening ties with India during PM Modi's time in office.
During a visit to India in 2018, the two countries signed nine agreements and described their relationship as a "special" partnership, broadening cooperation across a range of areas.
The relationship has continued to deepen this year. During Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel in February, the two leaders elevated bilateral ties to what they described as the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity.
The expanded partnership covers areas including artificial intelligence, critical minerals, defence, trade, labour mobility, education and healthcare.
Netanyahu has previously described India as a "major global power" and an important partner for Israel, while repeatedly highlighting what he has called the country's "tremendous support" for Israel.
