Is Netanyahu's Office Planning a New Date for His Visit to India?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Netanyahu's visit to India is being rescheduled.
- Strong diplomatic ties exist between Israel and India.
- Netanyahu has confidence in India's security.
- Condolences were offered following the Delhi blast.
- Ongoing cooperation in combating terrorism.
Jerusalem, Nov 25 (NationPress) The office of Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday refuted claims that the Israeli Prime Minister had delayed his trip to India due to security concerns after a recent explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi.
In a statement on X, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office (PMO) clarified that both nations are currently in discussions to establish a new travel date, asserting that Netanyahu possesses full confidence in India's security under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The relationship between Israel and India, as well as the bond between Prime Ministers Netanyahu and Modi, is robust. The PM has complete trust in India's security under PM Modi, and coordination for a new visit date is already in progress,” the official statement from the office of the Israeli Prime Minister highlighted.
Previous reports from Israeli media suggested that Netanyahu, who was scheduled to visit New Delhi in December for his first official trip since 2018, had postponed his journey due to security apprehensions following the tragic terrorist incident in Delhi earlier this month.
It is now anticipated that he will look to reschedule his visit next year, subject to security evaluations.
On November 12, the Israeli PM had expressed his sympathies to PM Modi and the Indian populace concerning the deadly car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort, which resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries.
In a message shared on X, Netanyahu referred to India and Israel as ancient civilizations grounded in eternal truths, and emphasized that acts of terror would never weaken the steadfast resolve of the citizens of both nations.
“To our esteemed friend Narendra Modi and the courageous people of India: Sara and I, along with the citizens of Israel, extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Israel stands united with you in grief and strength during this time,” the Israeli Prime Minister's Office conveyed on X.
“India and Israel are ancient civilizations that uphold eternal truths. Terror may target our cities, but it will never disturb our spirits. The light of our nations will prevail over the darkness of our adversaries,” it further stated.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar also expressed his condolences to the Indian people, including the families of those who lost their lives in the Delhi blast, while reinforcing Israel's commitment to support India in its battle against terrorism.
“I convey my and Israel’s deepest sympathies to the people of India, particularly to the families of the innocent victims who perished in the blast in central Delhi. I wish a swift recovery to the injured. Israel stands alongside India in its fight against terrorism,” Sa'ar posted on X.