India envoy promotes peace, non-violence at Ahmadiyya convention in Haifa
Synopsis
India's envoy to Israel used the Ahmadiyya community's annual convention in Haifa to amplify PM Modi's 'Sabka Sath-Sabka Vishwas' message on an international stage — while separately honouring the Indian soldiers who liberated Haifa over a century ago. Two distinct diplomatic gestures, one week, one city: a signal of India's multifaceted engagement with Israel.
Key Takeaways
Singh attended the Jalsa Salana Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Haifa, Israel on 18 September 2026 .
Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Mayor of Haifa Yona Yahav were among senior dignitaries present at the convention.
Ambassador Singh highlighted India's values of non-violence , peaceful coexistence , and PM Narendra Modi 's vision of 'Sabka Sath-Sabka Vishwas' .
On Wednesday, Singh laid a wreath at Haifa Cemetery honouring Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers who fought in the Battle of Haifa on 23 September 1918 .
The tribute specifically commemorated Major Thakur Dalpat Singh , dubbed the 'Hero of Haifa' , who led the cavalry charge that helped liberate the city in World War I .
Ambassador of India to Israel, J.P. Singh, on Friday, 18 September 2026, attended the 'Jalsa Salana' — the Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community — held in Haifa, Israel, and underscored India's foundational values of non-violence and peaceful coexistence. The event brought together senior Israeli officials and religious leaders from multiple faiths, reflecting the convention's inclusive character.
Key Dignitaries at the Convention
The gathering was attended by President of Israel, Isaac Herzog; Mayor of Haifa, Yona Yahav; Amir and Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Israel, Muhammad Sharif Odeh; and Imam Shamsuddin Sahib. Religious leaders from different faith traditions were also present at the convention.
What the Indian Envoy Said
In his address, Ambassador Singh highlighted the Indian ethos of non-violence and the principle of peaceful coexistence, as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guiding philosophy of 'Sabka Sath-Sabka Vishwas' — roughly translated as 'Together with all, trust of all.' The Embassy of India noted in its official post that 'India holds a special place in the heart of the Ahmadiyya community,' underscoring the longstanding ties between India and the community.
Wreath-Laying at Haifa Cemetery: Honouring the Battle of Haifa
Separately, on Wednesday, Ambassador Singh paid tribute to Indian soldiers who fell in the Battle of Haifa in 1918, laying a wreath at Haifa Cemetery. The ceremony was organised by the Embassy of India in Tel Aviv in association with the Municipality of Haifa and commemorated the extraordinary bravery of the Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers, who fought in the historic battle on 23 September 1918.
The tribute specifically honoured Major Thakur Dalpat Singh, Commander of the Jodhpur Lancers, who led the cavalry charge that contributed to the liberation of Haifa during the First World War and made the supreme sacrifice in battle. He is remembered as the 'Hero of Haifa.' Haifa Deputy Mayor Sarit Golan-Steinberg conveyed the city's gratitude for the Indian soldiers' sacrifice at the ceremony.
India-Israel Ties: A Shared Historical Bond
The Embassy described the legacy of the Indian soldiers as 'a lasting symbol of duty, courage and honour, strengthening the historic bond of friendship between India and Israel.' This comes as bilateral ties between India and Israel continue to deepen across diplomatic, defence, and cultural domains. The dual engagements — the Ahmadiyya convention and the Haifa battle commemoration — reflect New Delhi's active diplomatic presence in Israel on multiple fronts.
Point of View
Non-violent credentials on a global stage at a moment when the Middle East remains acutely fragile. The invocation of Modi's 'Sabka Sath-Sabka Vishwas' at an international Ahmadiyya gathering is also notable given that the community faces persecution in several Muslim-majority countries; positioning India as a sanctuary of coexistence carries both soft-power value and implicit contrast. The Battle of Haifa commemoration, meanwhile, reinforces a historical thread India has consistently woven into the bilateral narrative with Israel — one that predates the modern state and lends the relationship a depth beyond current geopolitics.
NationPress
19 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jalsa Salana convention attended by India's ambassador in Haifa?
The 'Jalsa Salana' is the Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, held in Haifa, Israel. Ambassador J.P. Singh attended the 2026 edition on 18 September, joining Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Mayor of Haifa Yona Yahav among other dignitaries.
What message did India's envoy deliver at the Ahmadiyya convention?
Ambassador Singh highlighted India's values of non-violence and peaceful coexistence, and invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's philosophy of 'Sabka Sath-Sabka Vishwas' — meaning collective inclusiveness and trust across communities. The Embassy noted that India holds a special place in the Ahmadiyya community's regard.
What is the Battle of Haifa and why did India's ambassador pay tribute?
The Battle of Haifa was fought on 23 September 1918, during World War I, when Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers launched a cavalry charge that contributed to the liberation of Haifa from Ottoman forces. Ambassador Singh laid a wreath at Haifa Cemetery to honour the Indian soldiers, particularly Major Thakur Dalpat Singh — known as the 'Hero of Haifa' — who made the supreme sacrifice leading that charge.
Who was Major Thakur Dalpat Singh?
Major Thakur Dalpat Singh was the Commander of the Jodhpur Lancers who led the historic cavalry charge during the Battle of Haifa on 23 September 1918. He is remembered as the 'Hero of Haifa' for his extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice in helping liberate the city during World War I.
What do these diplomatic engagements signal about India-Israel ties?
The dual events — an interfaith community convention and a World War I commemoration — reflect India's active and multi-dimensional diplomatic engagement in Israel. The Embassy described the legacy of Indian soldiers as a 'lasting symbol of duty, courage and honour, strengthening the historic bond of friendship between India and Israel.'
