Published: Nov 4, 2025 | New Delhi
India and Israel on Tuesday reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating terrorism and explored new areas of cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and regional connectivity during talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar in New Delhi.
The discussions also touched on the situation in Gaza and the US-backed peace plan, which both ministers said should pave the way for a “durable and lasting solution” to the conflict.
Sa’ar, on his first official visit to India, is the fifth Israeli minister to visit the country this year, underscoring the momentum in bilateral ties ahead of a likely visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later this year, officials familiar with the matter said.
Zero Tolerance on Terrorism
Jaishankar said both nations face the shared challenge of terrorism and emphasized the need for a global zero-tolerance approach toward the menace in all its forms.
“It is essential that we work towards ensuring a global approach of zero tolerance towards terrorism,” he said after the meeting.
Sa’ar echoed this view, describing “radical terror” as a common threat and reaffirming Israel’s condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir earlier this year.
He added that Israel is confronting the “radical terror states” of Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Houthis in Yemen, asserting that dismantling these groups is “essential for regional security.”
“The eradication of Hamas’ terrorist state is at the heart of President Trump’s plan. Hamas must be disarmed and Gaza demilitarised — we will not compromise on it,” Sa’ar said.
Gaza and Peace Process
Last month, Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of the US-brokered 20-point peace plan, which included a ceasefire and the release of captives and prisoners. The accord ended more than two years of hostilities that began with Hamas’ October 2023 attacks on Israel, which killed 1,200 people.
Israeli offensives since then have resulted in the deaths of more than 67,000 Palestinians, including 20,000 children, according to Gaza health authorities.
Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for the peace process, expressing hope that it would lead to “a durable and lasting solution.”
Sa’ar, meanwhile, thanked India for its steadfast friendship, recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to Netanyahu immediately after the October 7 attacks.
“We remember he was the first world leader to call Prime Minister Netanyahu after Hamas’ massacre, and we won’t forget it,” Sa’ar said.
Expanding Economic and Strategic Cooperation
Beyond regional security, the two ministers discussed strengthening economic ties through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 grouping (India, Israel, UAE, and the US).
Jaishankar highlighted India’s growing capabilities in rail, road, port infrastructure, renewable energy, and healthcare, inviting Israeli investment in these sectors.
“Our partnership has real meaning — we have stood together in testing times and built a relationship of trust and reliability,” he said.
He also noted India’s increasing cooperation with Israel in agriculture, innovation, semiconductors, and cyber security, adding that India looks forward to Israel’s participation in the AI Impact Summit in February 2026.
Labour Mobility and Connectivity
The ministers discussed the welfare of nearly 40,000 Indian workers currently employed in Israel, many of whom have replaced Palestinian labourers in recent years.
“Indian workers are present in Israel in growing numbers as a result of our mobility understandings. They have some issues which need attention,” Jaishankar said, without elaborating.
Sa’ar said Israel supports connectivity projects such as IMEC and I2U2, aimed at linking South Asia, West Asia, and Europe.
“We want to promote connectivity between South Asia, West Asia, and Europe. India is the fastest-growing economy, and Israel is a regional powerhouse,” Sa’ar added.
Background
India and Israel elevated their relations to a strategic partnership in 2017 during Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to Tel Aviv — the first by an Indian premier. Since then, both countries have deepened cooperation across defence, technology, water management, and innovation, while continuing coordination on regional and global issues.
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