New Delhi [India], November 4 (ANI): External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Tuesday hailed his meeting with Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, during which the two leaders discussed strengthening the strategic partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to combating all forms of terrorism. The Israeli minister is in India for a three-day official visit.
During the meeting, the two sides also exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on training between India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Israel’s Foreign Ministry. In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar thanked Sa’ar for sharing Israel’s perspective on regional developments, including the Gaza Peace Plan and efforts to establish a durable and lasting solution.
“An excellent meeting with FM @gidonsaar of Israel today in New Delhi. Productive discussions on strengthening our strategic partnership across various domains. Reaffirmed our zero tolerance toward terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Appreciate FM Sa’ar sharing the Israeli perspective on developments in the region, the Gaza Peace Plan, and efforts to build a durable and lasting solution. Also exchanged views on our cooperation in multilateral fora and witnessed the exchange of MoU on training between @SSIFS_MEA and @IsraelMFA,” Jaishankar posted.
EAM Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s strong ties with Israel, describing the relationship as one built on “a high degree of trust and reliability,” and expressed support for the Gaza Peace Plan during the discussions.
Welcoming Sa’ar on his first official visit to India, Jaishankar said, “India and Israel have a strategic partnership, and in our case, that term has real meaning. We have stood together in testing times and have built a relationship based on trust and reliability.”
Emphasizing shared security concerns, he stated, “Our two nations face a particular challenge from terrorism. It is essential that we work toward ensuring a global approach of zero tolerance toward terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
Highlighting recent progress in bilateral ties, Jaishankar said, “Your visit allows us to review our cooperation and explore opportunities for further deepening it. The recent conclusion of our Bilateral Investment Agreement is a notable step in that direction. It is also noteworthy that your ministerial colleagues handling agriculture, economy, tourism, and finance have all visited us recently.”
Jaishankar also noted India’s growing capabilities, saying, “In recent times, India has developed new strengths in rail, road, and port infrastructure, renewable energy, and health. Our businesses are very keen to explore opportunities in Israel, and we would certainly like to give that more attention.”
Underscoring the long-standing cooperation between the two nations, he said, “We have a strong record of working together in agriculture and innovation. Taking that forward is in our mutual interest.”
On broader regional cooperation, Jaishankar added, “Given our strategic cooperation, exchanging perspectives on regional and global issues holds great value. There are some plurilateral initiatives in which both our countries have strong interests, and I look forward to further discussions in that regard.”
The Israeli Foreign Minister arrived in India on Monday evening. (ANI)
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