India and Israel's Joint Stand Against Terrorism: S Jaishankar Reinforces Strategic Partnership During Jerusalem Visit

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar condemned the Sydney Bondi Beach terror attack on Tuesday, emphasizing that India and Israel share a "zero tolerance" policy against terrorism.

During his two-day visit to Israel, Jaishankar expressed his condolences while addressing the press alongside Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Moshe Sa'ar in Jerusalem.

"Let me first of all convey our very, very sincere, deep condolences at the loss of life due to the terror attack at Hanukkah celebrations in Bondi beach. I want to say that we condemn it in the strongest possible terms," Jaishankar stated.

Jaishankar also thanked Israel for its consistent support of India's fight against terrorism.

The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah by the Sea celebration on Sunday, resulted in at least 15 deaths and 40 injuries. The perpetrators were identified as 50-year-old Indian national Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old Australian son Naveed Akram. Although Sajid Akram migrated to Australia 27 years ago, he still held an Indian passport.

"Where India and Israel are concerned, we are both countries who have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. We appreciate your consistent support to our fight against terrorism and all its forms and manifestations," Jaishankar emphasized.

The External Affairs Minister noted that the strategic partnership between India and Israel has "developed very significantly in the last decade," encompassing government-to-government, business-to-business, and people-to-people dimensions. He described the two nations as "very complementary partners" that must maximize their relationship potential.

Jaishankar also reiterated India's support for the Gaza peace plan, expressing hope for a lasting and durable solution.

Later on social media, he shared that he had "held productive discussions on our Strategic partnership and its further advancement across various domains. Also exchanged perspectives on regional developments, the Gaza Peace Plan and efforts to achieve lasting and durable peace."

Jaishankar's visit comes as preparations continue for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposed trip to India. Recently, Netanyahu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by phone, after which Netanyahu mentioned they would be "meeting very soon."

During his stay in Israel, Jaishankar is also scheduled to meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu. According to a source, "The discussions will revolve around bilateral and regional issues with a view to further deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries."

Jaishankar arrived in Tel Aviv from Abu Dhabi, where he participated in the Sir Bani Yas Forum, the 16th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting, and the 5th round of the India-UAE Strategic Dialogue held on December 15.

Netanyahu's anticipated visit to India follows several high-level exchanges between the two countries. Earlier this year, Israeli ministers including Tourism Minister Haim Katz, Economy Minister Nir Barkat, Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich visited India as the nations work toward establishing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

India and Israel signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) during Smotrich's visit to New Delhi in September, followed by signing the Terms of Reference for the proposed FTA during Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's visit to Israel last month.

In the defense sector, the two countries recently signed a landmark agreement to enhance defense, industrial, and technological cooperation, enabling advanced technology sharing for co-development and co-production.

Cultural and academic cooperation between India and Israel has also expanded, with film festivals, dance performances, and filmmaker exchanges strengthening people-to-people ties. On Monday, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Tel Aviv University signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an India Chair at the university, further boosting academic collaboration.