Israel Rejects Pakistan's Role in Gaza Peace Process, Strengthens Alliance with India
Israel has firmly stated that countries "not conducive to promoting moderation and peace" will not be granted any executive role in Gaza's future governance. Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, made this declaration in an exclusive interview, directly referencing Pakistan's inclusion in the US-led Board of Peace on Gaza. Azar emphasized that while Pakistan was invited by former US President Donald Trump to join the initiative, it holds no practical influence on the ground in Gaza.
Pakistan's Limited Influence and Terror Group Concerns
Pakistan, which does not formally recognize Israel, is among several Islamic nations participating in the Trump administration's efforts to end the conflict in Gaza. In December, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged Pakistan's willingness to be part of the International Stabilization Force (ISF), though Islamabad has yet to commit troops to this UN-mandated peacekeeping force. Ambassador Azar highlighted Israel's vigilance regarding increasing collusion between Hamas and Pakistan-based terrorist groups, which have also been implicated in attacks against India.
"We have observed heightened movement and interactions between the Palestinian Hamas terror organization and extremist elements in Pakistan and Bangladesh," Azar noted. He pointed to open-source reports indicating more frequent visits by Hamas envoys to these regions, suggesting covert activities that raise security concerns. While India condemned the October 2023 Hamas assault on Israel, it has not officially designated Hamas as a terrorist organization, a point of divergence between the two nations.
India-Israel Defense and Economic Collaboration Deepens
Azar underscored the robust and expanding partnership between India and Israel, focusing on joint efforts to develop capabilities against shared threats. "We are concentrating on creating capabilities that will allow us to defend ourselves more efficiently, without interfering in each other's policies," he explained. This cooperation is set to advance with new agreements enabling the deployment of more sensitive technologies, including those used in sophisticated weapons and high-tech drones.
The ambassador revealed that a forthcoming defense pact will establish protocols to safeguard technological secrecy, boosting confidence for deeper collaboration between governments and private sectors. "This will open up areas we haven't explored before, fostering co-development and co-production of defense technologies," Azar stated. He cited lessons from recent conflicts, emphasizing the need to upgrade industrial capabilities domestically while partnering with trusted allies like India to enhance joint resilience.
India's Pivotal Role in West Asia Stability
Ambassador Azar articulated India's potential as a key player in promoting long-term peace and stability in West Asia, one of the world's most volatile regions. He highlighted India's rapid economic growth and recent trade agreements as factors that will increase its engagement with major markets like Israel, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. "India can provide workforce, infrastructure expertise, and collaboration in communications, innovation, and logistics, benefiting all parties involved," he added.
The future of India-Israel relations appears exceptionally promising, with several milestones on the horizon:
- Deepening defense cooperation through new agreements covering sensitive technologies.
- Ongoing collaboration in water and agriculture, positively impacting small farmers in India.
- Progress on a bilateral investment treaty and a Free Trade Agreement, aimed for finalization this year.
Seminar on India-West Asia Relations
These insights were shared during a seminar organized by the Greater West Asia Forum, India (GWAFI) in collaboration with Red Lantern Analytica, a Delhi-based think tank. Held at the Constitution Club of India in Delhi, the event brought together policymakers, scholars, strategic analysts, and students from institutions such as Manav Rachna International Institute, Amity University, JNU, Galgotias University, and Delhi University. Discussions centered on evolving dynamics in India-West Asia relations, including emerging coalitions, connectivity initiatives, and converging strategic interests.
Ambassador Azar's remarks underscore a strategic shift, with Israel prioritizing partnerships like that with India over involvement from nations perceived as undermining peace efforts, while simultaneously addressing security threats from terrorist networks linked to Pakistan and Hamas.
