India and Israel Deepen Ties on Trade, Terrorism, and Regional Connectivity
India and Israel discussed counterterrorism, trade, and regional connectivity during talks between foreign ministers S Jaishankar and Gideon Sa’ar. Both nations reaffirmed their strategic partnership, supported the Gaza peace plan, and signed a bilateral investment agreement. Cooperation in infrastructure, innovation, and mobility was highlighted, along with Israel’s backing of regional projects like IMEC.
India and Israel held high-level talks in Delhi, focusing on counterterrorism, trade, and regional connectivity. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar emphasized the need for a global zero tolerance approach to terrorism and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The situation in Gaza and the US-brokered peace plan were also discussed, with India expressing support for a durable solution. Both ministers highlighted the strategic partnership between the two countries, rooted in trust and reliability. A bilateral investment agreement was signed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her Israeli counterpart Bezalel Smotrich, aimed at boosting mutual investments and economic cooperation. Jaishankar noted India’s advancements in infrastructure, renewable energy, and health, and expressed interest in expanding collaboration in agriculture, innovation, semiconductors, and cyber issues. Sa’ar recalled Prime Minister Modi’s solidarity after the October 7 attacks and reiterated Israel’s stance on eradicating Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza. The two sides also discussed the mobility of Indian workers in Israel and Israel’s support for regional connectivity initiatives such as I2U2 and IMEC. The meetings set the stage for further deepening of bilateral ties, including a planned visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
