Foreign ministers of India and Israel held high-level discussions

India and Israel on Tuesday held wide-ranging talks in New Delhi aimed at deepening their strategic partnership across security, defence, trade, and regional diplomacy. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reaffirmed their countries’ shared commitment to combating terrorism and advancing peace and stability in West Asia.

Sa’ar, who arrived in New Delhi on November 3 for a three-day official visit, praised India as a “global superpower” and a key partner in ensuring regional stability. He described the relationship between India and Israel as “built on mutual trust and shared democratic values,” adding that “our cooperation in defence, technology, and innovation is essential not just for our nations, but for global security.”

Jaishankar emphasized that both nations face persistent security threats and must lead by example in building a unified international stance against extremism. “Our two nations face a particular challenge from terrorism. It is essential that we work towards ensuring a global approach of zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he said, urging a stronger global coalition to counter terror networks.

The two ministers discussed the Gaza conflict, regional security developments, and the importance of sustained diplomatic efforts to restore peace. Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for the US-brokered Gaza peace plan and called for humanitarian considerations to guide all actions in the region. Sa’ar, meanwhile, restated Israel’s position that terror groups operating from Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen pose a serious threat to international peace, thanking India for its consistent support against terrorism.

Trade and connectivity were another major focus. Both sides discussed accelerating progress on the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and exploring new pathways for economic integration. They reviewed the potential for greater collaboration in high-tech industries, artificial intelligence, water management, agriculture, and renewable energy. Sa’ar also expressed interest in expanding Israeli investments in India’s innovation and start-up ecosystem.

Defence and security cooperation featured prominently, with discussions on joint research, technology transfer, and production of advanced defence systems under India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The ministers considered signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the defence framework, marking a new phase in the strategic partnership.

The talks also covered mobility and workforce issues, including the welfare of Indian citizens working in Israel. Both leaders agreed to enhance bilateral frameworks to ensure better safety, rights, and opportunities for Indian workers abroad.

Concluding the meeting, Jaishankar said India and Israel would continue to work closely to uphold regional stability and global security. Sa’ar noted that the visit had “reaffirmed the enduring bond” between the two nations and expressed optimism about the outcomes of their collaboration in the years ahead.