India’s External Affairs Minister has held high-level talks with the Israeli leadership, focusing on technology, security, and the swift conclusion of a free trade agreement, as preparations ramp up for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s expected visit to New Delhi.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Tuesday evening (16 December), saying the strategic partnership between the two countries is set to “grow from strength to strength.” The meeting was the centerpiece of Jaishankar’s two-day visit to Israel, aimed at recalibrating bilateral ties amid the ongoing complexities in West Asia.
Coming from Abu Dhabi after attending the Sir Bani Yas Forum, Jaishankar had a packed schedule. Beyond the Prime Minister, he held detailed discussions with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. A key focus of the trip was speeding up the proposed Free Trade Agreement, with Jaishankar expressing confidence in its “early conclusion” after meeting Economy Minister Nir Barkat.
The talks covered a lot of ground: technology, skills, connectivity, and security. Jaishankar also used the platform to address global security concerns, specifically condemning the recent terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney. “India and Israel both have a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism,” he said, reinforcing the shared security outlook.
“Deeply appreciate the call on Prime Minister Israel @netanyahu in Jerusalem this evening. Extended warm wishes of PM @narendramodi… Confident that our Strategic Partnership will grow from strength to strength,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter) after the meeting.
On regional stability, he added, “Reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for enduring peace in the region,” signaling New Delhi’s continued backing for a “just and durable” resolution to the Gaza conflict.
The visit sets the stage for Netanyahu’s long-awaited trip to India, which got postponed after the October 7 attacks in 2023. Recent diplomatic moves, including a phone call between PM Modi and Netanyahu earlier this month, suggest both sides are eager to get high-level exchanges back on track.
Importantly, Jaishankar’s arrival from the UAE highlights India’s delicate diplomatic balancing act in the region. By engaging deeply with both Arab partners and Israel within the same week, New Delhi is trying to position itself as a stabilizing force that can maintain strong ties across the geopolitical divide.
With the groundwork now laid, official dates for Netanyahu’s visit to India are expected to be announced “very soon.” The main deliverable for the upcoming summit will likely be the signing of the FTA, which aims to boost investment and innovation between the two tech-forward economies.
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