New Delhi, Nov 4 (NationPress) Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated on Tuesday that India and Israel enjoy a strong bond, with aspirations to cultivate a lasting strategic partnership between the two countries.

In his introductory remarks during a meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi, Sa'ar expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's support following the Hamas attack on October 7, recognizing him as the first world leader to reach out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He remarked, "We value Prime Minister Modi's unwavering support. He was the first world leader to contact Prime Minister Netanyahu after the Hamas massacre on October 7, and we will always remember this. Minister, I firmly believe that India is the future. India, being the world's largest democracy and the fastest-growing economy, is a true global superpower, while Israel stands as a regional powerhouse. Our nations already enjoy a close friendship, and our aim is to establish a long-term strategic partnership between Israel and India.

He highlighted that radical terrorism poses a common threat to both nations and denounced the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22.

"Radical terror presents a shared danger to both Israel and India. We unequivocally condemn the horrifying terror attack in Pahalgam. In the Middle East, Israel confronts a distinct challenge, which I term 'terror states.' Over the past decades, radical terror states such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Houthis in Yemen have emerged. It is crucial to eliminate them for the security and stability of our region. The dismantling of the Hamas terror state is central to President Trump's plan. Hamas must be disarmed, and Gaza must be demilitarized. We will not waver on this point," he stated.

Sa'ar also voiced Israel's endorsement of regional connectivity initiatives, asserting, "I believe the prospects for regional partnerships are promising. Israel supports connectivity projects like I2U2 and IMEC to enhance links between South Asia, West Asia, and Europe.

Notably, I2U2 is a collaboration among India, Israel, the UAE, and the US aimed at addressing global challenges and fostering economic opportunities. In 2023, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Germany, the European Union, US, and Italy committed to collaborating on establishing the India - Middle East - Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Gideon Sa'ar, on a two-day diplomatic visit to India, is scheduled to meet with various senior officials in the Indian government. The visiting minister will also engage with government officials, ambassadors, diplomats, research institute heads, and local business leaders, as stated by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

During his brief visit, the Foreign Minister will deliver insights on Middle East Affairs to scholars focusing on foreign policy and security before returning to Israel on Wednesday.