India, Feb. 27 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India and Israel have elevated their bilateral relationship to the status of a special strategic partnership, adding that the "historic decision" reflects the aspirations of the people of the two countries whose relationship is founded on "deep trust, shared democratic values, and humanitarian bonds."

"In today's meeting, we discussed giving new direction and greater momentum to our cooperation," Modi said at a joint press briefing with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu after the two leaders held delegation-level talks in Jerusalem.

The discussions covered a raft of areas including defence and security, technology and innovation; cybersecurity; trade, investment and connectivit...