Netanyahu Praises India's 'Extraordinary Affection' for Israel

JAKARTA — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the close ties between Israel and India, describing New Delhi as having ‘extraordinary love’ for Israel. Netanyahu stated that Israel faces significant ‘delegitimisation’ challenges globally but not in India, commenting during the Jordan Valley Conference on Thursday, as reported on Friday, 29 May 2026. He also referred to India as one of Israel’s strongest supporters and an ‘Asian ally’. Diplomatic relations between India and Israel were formally established in 1992, though India recognised Israel in 1950 shortly after its founding. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously highlighted the historical closeness of the two nations, noting ties between India and the Jewish community have existed for millennia through maritime trade routes linking the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans. India is currently Israel’s second-largest trading partner in Asia, with bilateral trade exceeding $10.77 billion in 2022-2023, excluding defence contracts. During his February visit to Israel, Modi praised the ‘strong defence partnership’ and mentioned ongoing negotiations for an ‘ambitious Free Trade Agreement’. Local media reported India signed $8.6 billion in arms deals with Israel this year. Netanyahu thanked India for supporting Israel following Hamas’s 2023 attack. However, New Delhi expressed concerns after the US and Israel launched military action against Iran earlier this year, with Modi calling for an ‘immediate cessation of hostilities’ and emphasising ‘civilian safety must remain the top priority’. Israel continues to face international scrutiny over its military operations in Gaza since the 2023 Hamas attack, with accusations of genocide against Palestinians, which Israel denies.