Israel's Admiration for India's Growth under PM Modi: Insights from the Ambassador

New Delhi, Feb 26 (NationPress) The State of Israel holds a deep admiration for the progress of India under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to Reuven Azar, the Israeli Ambassador to India. His bond with India is invaluable to us.

"We genuinely admire the progress that India has made under Prime Minister Modi. His friendship is highly valued. He was the first leader to reach out after the events of October 7 (Hamas attack). His unwavering support over the last year and a half has been significant. We share similar perspectives and challenges, and I am optimistic that in the future, we will collaborate on many more initiatives," Azar conveyed in an exclusive interview with IANS.

He further described India as a rising global power, becoming increasingly vital to Israel, not merely as a commercial ally but also as a pivotal part of our supply chains.

The experienced diplomat attributes the flourishing India-Israel partnership to the leadership of both countries—PM Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—who align on a common vision and development agenda.

"Their aim is to foster entrepreneurship. They advocate for freedom, free markets, and reform. These shared values have unified us. We have collaborated with India on various matters, including defence, water management, and irrigation. Currently, we face the challenge of enhancing cooperation in high-tech and innovation sectors that significantly impact the economy.

Highlighting the strengthening ties between the two nations, the Israeli Ambassador emphasized the recent high-level visit by a CEO delegation, led by Nir Barkat, Israel's Minister of Economy and Industry, to India at the invitation of Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry.

This delegation, featuring over 100 prominent Israeli CEOs from diverse sectors such as healthcare, cyber, energy, automotive, logistics, and more, showcased Israel's innovative prowess and advanced capabilities.

"Approximately 80 to 100 companies participated to explore business opportunities. They engaged with Indian firms. We are also keen to collaborate in infrastructure, as India possesses significant expertise in this domain. We aim to establish agreements that facilitate business relations... We have identified numerous collaborative initiatives, and we are earnestly working alongside the Indian government... I am hopeful that this year, as we emerge from this conflict, we will achieve our goals," Azar expressed.

As India and Israel continue their collaborative efforts to develop the India Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and transform Israel's second-largest port, Haifa, into a significant trading hub on the Mediterranean coast, the Israeli Ambassador acknowledged New Delhi's initiatives in enhancing connectivity and establishing resilient and reliable supply chains over recent years.

"Logistics operates within networks. Thus, the efficiency of these networks determines our ability to conduct trade in a cost-effective, efficient, and timely manner. Therefore, India's pursuit of connectivity is quite logical. We aspire to be integral to this process, which must rest on stable strategic foundations. The security partnerships we maintain within the region, including with Arab nations and the Gulf under American support, instills confidence that we can realize these connectivity corridors from India to Europe, traversing the Middle East, and vice versa. This presents immense potential," Azar articulated to IANS.

He also highlighted various other sectors where India and Israel are reinforcing their cooperation.

"Let me explain why this partnership is distinctive. Firstly, regarding our defense collaboration, Israel has been at the forefront of adapting to India's 'Make in India' initiative. We have established numerous joint ventures and are now producing advanced drones and autonomous systems on Indian soil. We are jointly manufacturing ammunition, and Israeli industries have set up facilities for maintenance of equipment supplied to the Indian Army. Additionally, we are initiating R&D collaborations.

"This demonstrates the profound trust that exists between our security establishments and companies. Such trust is not to be taken lightly; it has been cultivated through years of dedicated effort. This relationship is crucial for both nations. In agriculture, India's commitment to adopting Israeli technology has yielded significant returns, enabling countless farmers to enhance their productivity, achieve food security, and transform India into a net food exporter, which is vital," he concluded.