India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Israel, marking his second visit to the country. The two countries have strengthened ties under the Hindu nationalist PM.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said there’s a “ tremendous alliance between Israel and India, and we’re going to bandy all feathers of cooperation ”.
Last time, Israel and India inked an investment agreement to expand collective trade during far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s trip to New Delhi.
In 2024, bilateral trade stood at$ 3.9 bn, while current collective investments are worth about$ 800m, according to sanctioned numbers.
Modi’s visit comes as Israel’s genocidal war continues in Gaza where it has killed at least 72,073 people and wounded 171,756 since October 2023.
Modi’s concludes Knesset address
Modi said India and Israel are “ trusted mates ” whose relations are “ vital ” for trade and security.
He said the two countries successfully inked a number of agreements, including the Bilateral Investment Treaty( BIT) last time.
“ We’re committed to farther consolidating this relationship across numerous sectors, ” he said.
India’s high minister praised the “ community ” between the two countries on motifs including artificial intelligence( AI) and amount technology.
In ending his speech, Modi said, “ Our cooperation also contributes to global stability and substance. Let us insure that our cooperation remains a source of strength in an uncertain world. ”
What trade deal did India and Israel reach last year?
The two countries signed an investment agreement during a visit to India by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Indian Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the deal would boost bilateral trade. She said it would also increase investment flows. She stressed stronger cooperation in cybersecurity, defence, innovation, and high technology.
In 2024, Israel-India trade reached $3.9 billion. Defence and security made up most of that trade. New Delhi remained Israel’s largest buyer of military equipment.
Modi says ‘nothing can justify terrorism’
“ India stands with Israel forcefully, with full conviction, in this moment and beyond, ” the Indian high minister says, drawing a standing acclamation in the Knesset.
Condemning the “ barbaric ” October 7, 2023, attacks, Modi said “ No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism. ”
He added that India “ has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time ”.
“ Like you, we’ve( a) harmonious and exacting policy of zero forbearance for terrorism with no double norms. Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development and to erode trust, ” he said.
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