External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, during his official visit to Israel, strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Sydney and underscored the shared "zero tolerance" policy that India and Israel hold against terrorism. The meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in Jerusalem on Tuesday focused on bolstering strategic ties and addressing regional security challenges.
Condolences and Condemnation for Sydney Attack
Jaishankar began the meeting by extending India's deepest sympathies for the tragic loss of life in the Bondi Beach assault. At least 15 people were killed and 40 others injured when two gunmen opened fire on a gathering celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah on Sunday. The minister stated that India condemns this act of terror in the strongest possible terms.
"Where India and Israel are concerned, both... have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism," Jaishankar emphasized. He also thanked Israel for its consistent support in India's own fight against terrorism in all its forms.
Strengthening the Strategic Partnership
The discussions between the two ministers went beyond immediate security concerns. Jaishankar highlighted that India and Israel are "very complementary partners," and stressed the need to maximize the potential of this relationship. The talks covered the advancement of the strategic partnership across various domains, including technology, trade, and defense.
This high-level engagement sets the stage for a proposed visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to India. The two prime ministers, Narendra Modi and Netanyahu, recently held a telephone conversation, hinting at an imminent meeting.
Regional Stability and the Path to Peace
A significant part of the dialogue was devoted to regional developments. Jaishankar reiterated India's support for the Gaza Peace Plan, expressing hope that it would lead to a lasting and durable solution for peace in the region. This aligns with India's long-standing position advocating for direct negotiations towards a sovereign Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace with Israel.
Following the meeting, Jaishankar took to social media platform X to summarize the productive discussions. He noted they exchanged perspectives on regional issues, the peace plan, and efforts to achieve enduring peace.
During his two-day visit, the External Affairs Minister is also scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu, further solidifying the diplomatic dialogue between the two nations.
