New Delhi: India and Israel on Tuesday explored ways to build a global approach of “zero tolerance” to combat terrorism and enhance cooperation in areas of trade, infrastructure and connectivity even as New Delhi hoped that the US-brokered Gaza peace plan will bring durable peace to the region.
The issues figured in talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar that came as the two sides are looking at the possibility of a visit to India by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the next couple of months.
It is learnt that the implementation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) came up for discussion in the context of boosting regional connectivity.
In his televised opening remarks at the meeting, Jaishankar said both India and Israel are facing the challenge of terrorism.
“We have stood together in testing times. And we have created a relationship with a high degree of trust and of reliability. Our two nations face a particular challenge from terrorism,” he said.
“It is essential that we work towards ensuring a global approach of zero-tolerance towards terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations.”
On his part, Sa’ar, on a three-day trip to India, said Israel is confronting the “radical terror states” of Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthis in Yemen.
“Uprooting them is necessary for the security and stability of our region. The eradication of Hamas terror state is at the heart of President (Donald) Trump’s Plan. Hamas must be disarmed, Gaza must be demilitarised. We will not compromise on it,” he said.
Sa’ar also recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support to Israel. “We remember he was the first world leader to call Prime Minister Netanyahu after Hamas’ October 7 massacre and we won’t forget it.”
In his remarks, Jaishankar, referring to the Gaza peace plan, said India has been following the developments with “very close attention”.
“We welcome the return of the hostages and the remains of those who unfortunately lost their lives. India supports the Gaza Peace Plan and hopes that it paves the way for a durable and lasting solution,” he said.
The 20-point Gaza peace plan facilitated a ceasefire in the Strip. As part of the first phase of implementation of the plan, Hamas released all the remaining hostages while Israel freed nearly hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
The two foreign ministers also deliberated on ways to expand bilateral trade.
“The recent conclusion of our bilateral investment agreement is a notable step in that direction. It is noteworthy that your ministerial colleagues dealing with agriculture, economy, tourism and finance have all visited us recently,” Jaishankar said.
India has developed many new capabilities, especially in rail, road and port infrastructure and our businesses are very keen to explore opportunities in Israel and we would certainly like to give that more attention, he added.
The two sides can also take forward their joint work in agriculture, innovation, semiconductors and cyber issues, he said. In this context, he said.
“Indian workers are also today present in Israel in growing numbers as a result of our mobility understanding. They have some issues which need attention and I hope that we can take that dimension of our ties forward,” he said.
“Given our strategic cooperation, an exchange of perspectives on regional and global issues also holds great value,” Jaishankar added.
Sa’ar said Israel supports IMEC.
“I believe that the future for regional partnerships is bright. Israel supports regional connectivity projects such as I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA) and IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor). We want to promote connectivity between South Asia, West Asia and Europe,” he said.
The IMEC initiative was firmed up on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Delhi in 2023.
Billed as a pathbreaking initiative, it envisages a vast road, railroad and shipping networks among Saudi Arabia, India, the United States and Europe with an aim to ensure integration among Asia, Middle East and West.
