Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday expressed gratitude to India, sharing a personal anecdote about his first date with his wife Sara at an Indian restaurant in Tel Aviv. According to RT_com, Netanyahu said he owed India a “great personal debt” because he had his first date with his wife at an Indian restaurant.
“First of all, the food was unbelievable... so it was a great first date,” Netanyahu said. “Obviously, I'm indebted to you, as are my children.” Referring to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks in Israel's parliament, Netanyahu added: “I think there wasn't a dry eye left in Israel after your moving statement yesterday in Knesset.”
“It was short, but extraordinarily productive — and also extraordinarily moving,” he said. RT_com also quoted Modi as saying that for Indian Jews living in Israel, “Israel is their fatherland and India, their motherland.”
Also Read:
Modi Hails ‘Important Pillars' of Ties
Addressing the Knesset, Modi described defence and security as “important pillars” of India-Israel relations. “In November last year, we signed an MOU on defense cooperation,” Modi said. “In today's uncertain world, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance.”
India has reportedly entered into arms deals with Israel worth $8.6 billion this year. Modi said ties between the two nations predate formal diplomatic relations and go back nearly 2,000 years.
“Jewish merchants traveled across sea routes that connected the Mediterranean with the Indian Ocean. They came seeking opportunity and dignity. And, in India, they became one of us,” he said.
“The Bene Israel of Maharashtra, the Cochin Jews of Keralam, the Baghdadi Jews of Kolkata and Mumbai, and the Bnei Menashe of the North East have enriched India,” he added.
The Prime Minister said the two countries would also collaborate under frameworks such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the I2U2 grouping comprising India, Israel, the UAE and the US. “Soon, we will be among the top three economies globally. At the same time, Israel is a powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership,” Modi said.
He added that bilateral goods trade has grown significantly, though it does not reflect the full potential. “Our teams are working hard to negotiate an ambitious Free Trade Agreement. It will unlock the vast untapped potential in our trade relationship,” Modi said.
Modi also highlighted cooperation on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including digital identity, payments, banking and health, as well as Israeli expertise in precision irrigation and water management.
Iran Criticises India's Israel Ties
Meanwhile, Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister, described India's ties with Israel as “unfortunate.” Speaking to India TV channel, Araghchi said Tehran does not find it appropriate to deal with what he called a “genocidal regime.”
“Israel is the one who has destroyed the whole of Gaza. 70,000 people have been killed and this is not a claim this is a fact. It is a genocide,” he said. “Of course it is up to our friends in India to decide for themselves.”
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.