Indian FM in Jerusalem condemns Bondi massacre ‘in strongest terms’

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had met on Tuesday evening with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Jerusalem.

Jaishankar said that he “deeply” appreciated meeting Netanyahu and extended the warm wishes of Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi.

He and Netanyahu discussed “deepening cooperation in technology, economy, skills and talent, connectivity and security,” the Indian minister continued, adding that he was confident that the strategic partnership between the two countries “will grow from strength to strength.”

Sa’ar said he was glad to host Jaishankar for a reciprocal meeting “just a month after my visit to New Delhi.”

The relationship with India “will advance even further in the coming year across all areas: diplomacy, security, economic, entrepreneurship and cyber, agriculture and water, culture and more,” Israel’s top diplomat stated.

Sitting down with Sa’ar in a press conference, Jaishankar expressed condolences over the Bondi Chanukah massacre that took place on Sunday. He stressed that, like Israel, India has a “zero tolerance policy toward terrorism.” The Indian official further noted that his country supports the Gaza peace plan and hopes that it will lead to “a lasting and durable solution.”

Herzog reiterated the importance of the growing relationship with the South Asian giant, praising the “great vision” of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor initiative.

The IMEC is a massive infrastructure and trade project to connect Asia, the Middle East and Europe, which was announced at the 2023 G20 summit.

The geo-economic project involves India, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the U.S., Germany, France and Italy, and is seen as a counter project to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to connect the Asian nation with Europe through Iran, Turkey and Russia.

Last week, Netanyahu agreed to meet with Modi “very soon” during a conversation over the phone.

Under Modi, India and Israel have significantly deepened strategic, economic and defense ties, cooperation driven by shared security concerns and technological collaboration. Bilateral trade has surged, more than doubling since 2013 to a record-breaking $5 billion in 2024.