Israel Doesn’t Trust Countries Without Diplomatic Ties, Envoy Says on Pakistan’s Role in Iran Talks
NEW DELHI — Israel does not place trust in countries with which it lacks diplomatic relations, its ambassador to India said, responding to questions about Pakistan’s reported efforts to broker talks between the United States and Iran.
In an interview, Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar said Israel’s approach is based on its own judgment and that of key allies.
“We are not going to engage in trusting a country that doesn’t have diplomatic relations with us. What we trust is our judgment and the judgment of the President of the United States,” Azar said.
His remarks come amid reports that Pakistan has been engaging with Washington on the West Asia conflict and has offered to host potential peace talks involving countries linked to the crisis.
Pakistan has positioned itself as a possible venue for dialogue, citing ties with both the U.S. and Iran, even as it remains involved in ongoing tensions in the region, including conflict with Afghanistan.
Asked about reported U.S. investment plans in Pakistan’s Balochistan province and whether that could affect India-Israel ties, Azar said the issue does not directly concern Israel and emphasized the strength of relations with New Delhi.
“Israel is not connected to that. We have a very vast cooperation with India. Fortunately, thanks to the visit of Prime Minister Modi, we have been able to advance and sign major agreements, both in the defence sector and in other sectors,” he said.
“We will expand, quite substantially, our industrial defence cooperation, government-to-government ties in order to create technological solutions that give a good answer in the fight against terrorism,” he added.
India and Israel have deepened ties in recent years, including agreements across sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, defense, agriculture and space.
Both countries have also reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism and supporting peace efforts in Gaza.
Israel has previously voiced strong support for India following major terror attacks. After the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed solidarity with India and backed its right to self-defense.
He also drew parallels with the October 7 attacks in Israel, stressing that there should be no safe haven for terrorism.
Following the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Azar has also said that Israel supports India’s right to self-defense, adding that “terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes.” (Source: IANS)
