New Delhi, April 9 (NationPress) Highlighting India's unwavering commitment to its national interests amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, Reuven Azar, Israel's Ambassador to India, praised New Delhi's firm position on ensuring unrestricted freedom of navigation as efforts are underway to restore the use of commercial shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.

"India is steadfastly pursuing its interests. We are very encouraged by our bilateral ties, particularly following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel, which yielded numerous fruitful outcomes including agreements in defense, finance, infrastructure, technology, AI, education, and more. India's backing for free maritime navigation is crucial. It is vital for nations to collaborate in upholding international law and countering coercion on global waterways," Azar shared in an exclusive conversation with IANS.

On Wednesday, India expressed its approval of the ceasefire achieved between the United States and Iran, with hopes that it would pave the way for enduring peace in West Asia.

"As we have consistently advocated, de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy are essential to swiftly conclude the ongoing conflict. This strife has inflicted significant suffering on people and disrupted global energy supplies and trade networks. We anticipate that freedom of navigation and the seamless flow of commerce will be maintained through the Strait of Hormuz," stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

India has consistently affirmed its support for peace and welcomed all initiatives leading to stability, expressing hope that recent developments in West Asia will also bolster peace efforts in Ukraine.

The Israeli Ambassador underscored that Iran's actions have recently united many nations.

"There is now a clearer understanding of the aggressive nature of this regime. People recognize that if Iran had been allowed to pursue its grave threats against us, the situation could have been far worse. Awareness of the regime's threat has significantly increased," he remarked to IANS.

He noted that following the neutralization of "existential threats"—primarily Iran's military nuclear ambitions—Israel is optimistic that the Iranian regime will engage with the US on a broader plan to cease hostilities that have kept the globe on edge for numerous weeks.

"We are quite pleased. We have completed our military operations and are now glad that diplomacy can be attempted once more. We hope the Iranian regime seizes this moment and chooses to cooperate with President Trump's 15-point plan. If they do, not only will they gain relief, but the entire region will also benefit. We sincerely wish for this to occur. However, we are prepared should they fail to honor the ceasefire or choose to delay further. We stand ready with our forces to defend ourselves if they resume hostilities," the Israeli diplomat concluded.