New Delhi [India], September 8 (ANI): Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted ongoing trade negotiations and the need for fair global economic practices, emphasizing the strength of long-standing international partnerships.
Speaking to ANI in New Delhi, Smotrich said both Israel and India are negotiating with the United States over tariff-related issues and expressed confidence that agreements would be reached. “India and America go back many years. Israel and India go back many years… It’s perfectly okay that there are differences within this relationship. There is a great appreciation between each of the three leaders—Prime Minister Modi, President Trump, and Prime Minister Netanyahu,” he said.
“Both of our countries, Israel and India, are negotiating with the United States administration over tariffs nowadays. I’m sure, however long it takes, we’ll reach an agreement on this,” Smotrich added, noting shared values, common friends, common enemies, and common economic interests.
The remarks come amid global economic uncertainty following the US imposition of steep tariffs on Indian imports—an initial 25 percent tariff earlier this month, followed by an additional 25 percent on August 27, bringing the total to 50 percent. The measures were introduced in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil.
US President Donald Trump defended the sanctions, saying they targeted Russia’s oil exports through major buyers, including India. “Putting secondary sanctions on India, the largest purchaser outside China, cost Russia hundreds of billions of dollars. You call that no action? I haven’t done Phase-2 yet or Phase-3,” Trump said. He warned India of “big problems” if imports of Russian oil continued and claimed New Delhi had offered a “no tariff” deal following the earlier US duties.
Meanwhile, addressing the BRICS forum, India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar underlined the global need for stable and predictable trade environments. “The world is seeking a stable and predictable environment for trade and investment and it is imperative that economic practices are fair, transparent, and to everyone’s benefit,” he said, highlighting India’s commitment to multilateral economic cooperation.
Smotrich’s and Jaishankar’s comments collectively underline India’s dual approach—engaging in negotiations to resolve bilateral tariff issues with the US while advocating for fairness, stability, and long-term partnerships in global economic relations.
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