Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar on Monday stated that India-Israel relations continue to progress on an amazing trajectory despite the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He expressed optimism about a new sense of stability following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a completed peace deal with Iran.
Expanding Cooperation Across Sectors
Speaking to ANI, Azar highlighted expanding cooperation in defence, infrastructure, finance, and trade with India. He noted that the bilateral partnership had strengthened over the past three years, with both countries deepening engagement across multiple sectors.
“We’re on an amazing trajectory with India. Despite this three-year war, we’ve been able in the last 18 months to sign more than 18 agreements to upgrade our defence cooperation. We have entered new territory with new verticals we haven’t seen in the past,” he said.
Infrastructure and Economic Ties
Azar pointed to increasing participation by Indian companies in major infrastructure projects in Israel. Around 11 Indian infrastructure firms have applied for tenders for projects in the greater Tel Aviv metro area.
“Only last week I heard about 11 agreements Indian infrastructure companies that have applied for the pre-qualification of the InfraOne tenders for the greater Tel Aviv metro area. These are 10 tenders of about USD 800 million each that are going to be published soon,” Azar said.
He added that Israeli authorities were optimistic about Indian firms securing these projects. “I was told by the metro authority that many of these companies are going to graduate. So we are expecting in the next two or three years to see a massive entrance of Indian infrastructure companies to the Israeli market,” he said.
Financial Cooperation and Trade
Azar highlighted the growing presence of Indian workers in Israel and progress in financial cooperation. India and Israel have signed a bilateral investment treaty and are negotiating a free trade agreement.
“On top of the big number of Indian workers that are already working in Israel, we are seeing an upgrade to our financial cooperation. Our financial institutions are finally speaking to each other,” he said.
“We’ve signed a bilateral investment treaty. We are negotiating a free trade agreement. So all these things are happening now. And by the way, the Israeli economy is doing very well,” Azar added.
Trump’s Iran Peace Deal
Azar’s remarks come amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Trump on Sunday stated that a deal with Iran was complete and that the strategic waterway would reopen after signing on Friday. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the “Great Deal” would bring peace and security to the whole region.
“This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region. Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace. With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!” the post read.
However, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated on X that Israel is not bound by the Trump agreement, asserting Israel’s absolute sovereignty. “Trump’s agreement does not bind us. Israel is not subject to the United States, and we are an independent and sovereign nation,” the post read.
