Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar on 9 June described India and Israel as 'ancient civilisations on a path of national revival,' speaking at the Israel National Day celebration in New Delhi. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh represented the Indian government at the event.

Ambassador Azar's Address

Drawing a sharp parallel between the two nations, Ambassador Azar said: 'We share much more: We are both ancient civilisations on a path of national revival. We both struggle against radicalism and terrorism. We are vibrant democracies with a culture of tolerance and acceptance of the other, and we steadily strive for inclusive, sustainable development of our societies.'

Invoking the shadow of the 7 October 2023 attacks, Azar said Israel is facing 'a defining moment in history,' adding: 'As we celebrate our independence, Israel is being tested again by the forces which wish to destroy us.' The remarks came nearly three years after the Hamas-led assault that triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Israel's Economic Resilience

Azar highlighted Israel's economic performance despite an active war, noting that the country's GDP has crossed the $700 billion mark, placing it 13th in the world in terms of GDP per capita. He described Israel as 'a technological powerhouse that exports innovation to all corners of the earth,' registering growth of more than 3 per cent a year despite the war.

He attributed this resilience to the Israeli people and to support from partner nations, singling out India: 'This miracle wouldn't happen without the amazing resilience of Israelis, and without the support we are getting from friends like yourselves.' He also described vitality and entrepreneurship as shared virtues between Israel and India, calling India 'the fastest growing economy in the world.'

India's Affirmation of the Partnership

MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh extended greetings to the government and people of Israel, underscoring the depth of bilateral ties. 'Since its establishment in 1948, the world has witnessed the extraordinary resilience, determination and innovation that Israel has demonstrated while contributing significantly to the development of mankind,' Singh said.

Singh highlighted Israeli achievements in agriculture, water management, healthcare, research, and entrepreneurship as areas of global recognition that have benefited civilisations worldwide. He noted that these accomplishments 'reflect the strength of its democratic institutions and its commitment to national development,' adding that such values 'resonate strongly with India's own aspirations.'

Strategic Partnership Reaffirmed

In a post on X, Singh wrote that he had 'reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening the India–Israel special strategic partnership and advancing our shared vision of peace, innovation, prosperity and the well-being of our people.' This comes amid ongoing international debate over India's diplomatic posture on the Israel-Gaza conflict, with New Delhi maintaining its strategic relationship with Tel Aviv while also calling for a humanitarian ceasefire at multilateral forums. The Israel National Day event signals that the bilateral relationship remains on a stable footing at the official level.