A water-soluble phthalocyanine dye or naphthalocyanine dye with near-infrared absorption comprises at least one complexed unit. Each unit comprises a phthalocyanine or a naphthalocyanine moiety and a metal atom complexed thereto and having a valency of at least three, with two valencies complexed to the phthalocynanine ring or the naphthalocyanine ring, each unit joined to another through a fused ring, at least one valency attached to water-soluble axial ligands. The dyes to may be employed in inkjet inks in conjunction with colorants.