JERUSALEM, Israel — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Wednesday, holding discussions aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation across a range of strategic sectors and conveying warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to officials, the talks focused on expanding India-Israel collaboration in areas including technology, the economy, skills and talent development, connectivity, and security. Regional and global developments were also discussed during the meeting.
In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar said, “Deeply appreciate the call on Prime Minister Israel Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem this evening. Extended warm wishes of PM Narendra Modi. Discussed deepening cooperation in technology, economy, skills and talent, connectivity and security. Valued his perspectives on regional and global developments. Confident that our Strategic Partnership will grow from strength to strength.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu also acknowledged the meeting in a post on X, stating, “This evening, I met in my office in Jerusalem with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr S. Jaishankar.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Jaishankar met Israeli President Isaac Herzog, where both sides reviewed the India-Israel strategic partnership and its continued advancement.
“Honoured to call on President Isaac Herzog of Israel today. Conveyed warm greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussed our Strategic Partnership and its continued deepening. Reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for enduring peace in the region,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
President Herzog also described the meeting as productive, highlighting discussions on strengthening strategic ties and expanding regional cooperation, particularly through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
“It was a pleasure to meet with S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India. We discussed opportunities to deepen strategic Israel-India ties and the importance of broadening regional cooperation, including through the great vision of the IMEC,” Herzog wrote.
Jaishankar also held talks with Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry, Nir Barkat, focusing on boosting investment and innovation cooperation between the two countries.
“Great meeting with Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat in Jerusalem today. Discussed taking forward our investment and innovation cooperation. Expressed confidence in the early conclusion of India-Israel Free Trade Agreement to further boost our economic partnership,” Jaishankar posted on X.
Barkat said the discussions addressed challenges related to the framework agreement preceding the proposed free trade agreement signed about three weeks ago.
“The future agreement will open up a huge market to Israel, remove trade barriers, and increase Israeli exports,” the Israeli minister said. (Source: IANS)
