Israeli minister hails India as global superpower, vows long-term alliance

Israel on Tuesday hailed India as the “future” and a “global superpower” as the Foreign Ministers of the two nations held strategic talks here, reinforcing a deepening partnership anchored in counter-terror cooperation and regional connectivity.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar — on his first visit to India — praised the country’s rapid economic rise and political weight, saying the friendship between the two nations must now evolve into a long-term, future-focused strategic alliance.

“India is the world’s largest democracy and the fastest-growing economy. India is a global superpower. Our nations already share a warm friendship… Our goal is to build a long-term strategic partnership,” Sa’ar said during the opening remarks of the bilateral meeting.

Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s early support following the October 7 Hamas attack, the Israeli minister said New Delhi’s solidarity “will not be forgotten”.

The meeting placed strong emphasis on terrorism — an area where both sides see shared threats.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India and Israel “have stood together in testing times” and must push for a global “zero tolerance” approach towards terrorism.

Sa’ar condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, calling it part of a “mutual threat” posed by radical groups. He described Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis as “terror states” entrenched in the region and asserted that eliminating Hamas remained central to Israel’s security.

“Hamas must be disarmed. Gaza must be demilitarised. We will not compromise,” he declared, linking the effort to security proposals under US President Donald Trump’s plan.

Jaishankar said India was closely tracking developments in West Asia and supports the Gaza peace plan, expressing hope that it would help deliver “a durable and lasting solution”. He welcomed the return of hostages to Israel while mourning those who died.

The ministers reviewed progress across a wide slate of sectors, including cybersecurity, semiconductors, defence technology, renewable energy, agriculture and innovation. The recent conclusion of the bilateral investment agreement was highlighted as a major step in boosting economic cooperation.

Jaishankar invited Israel to participate in the AI Impact Summit that India will host in February, noting that emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cyber systems are now key pillars of the partnership.

Sa’ar said Israel supports connectivity plans such as I2U2 and the India-Middle East-Europe corridor (IMAEC). “The future for regional partnerships is bright,” he said, pitching a stronger strategic arc linking South Asia, West Asia and Europe.

With more Indian workers now in Israel under a mobility agreement, Jaishankar sought support to resolve pending welfare concerns and ensure their safety as ties expand.

Officials said the engagement underscored a maturing partnership where both nations — one a rising global power, the other a key regional force — increasingly align on global security, technology and peacebuilding priorities.