India and Israel Establish Joint Plan to Enhance Bilateral Relations

NEW DELHI: India and Israel have announced a joint working plan aimed at shaping their bilateral relations by 2026. This development comes as India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, expressed support for the Gaza Peace Plan, which he hopes will contribute to a lasting resolution in the region.

Minister Jaishankar arrived in Israel after visiting the United Arab Emirates, where he engaged with senior Israeli officials. During his visit, he met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. Following their discussions, Jaishankar took to social media to describe the talks as productive, highlighting the commitment of both nations to advance their strategic partnership across various sectors.

In a statement on social media, Sa'ar confirmed the adoption of the joint working plan for 2026. He expressed optimism about the future, stating, "Our relations will advance even further in the coming year across all areas: diplomacy, security, economic, entrepreneurship and cyber, agriculture and water, culture and more."

Jaishankar acknowledged the significant development of the strategic partnership over the past decade, stating that both countries are actively preparing their relationship for the future. Sa'ar remarked, "I believe that the future is India and it is natural that we want to have a share in the future."

The discussions between the two ministers also encompassed regional and international concerns, particularly the ongoing situation in Gaza. Jaishankar reiterated India's support for the Gaza Peace Plan, expressing hope for a durable and lasting solution to the conflict.

Additionally, the two leaders addressed collaborative efforts in combating terrorism. Jaishankar extended condolences for the loss of life resulting from a recent terrorist attack during Hanukkah celebrations in Australia. He firmly condemned the incident, stating, "We condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Where India and Israel are concerned, we are both countries who have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism."

In a reciprocal gesture, Sa'ar condemned a terrorist incident that occurred in New Delhi the previous month, and Jaishankar appreciated Israel's unwavering support in the fight against all forms of terrorism. The ongoing dialogue between the two nations signals a commitment to deepening ties and addressing mutual challenges in the years to come.