Our Bureau
Tel Aviv
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that India shows “crazy support” and “crazy love” for Israel, even as the country faces growing efforts to delegitimize it globally. Speaking at a conference in the West Bank, Netanyahu highlighted the unique bond between India and Israel, calling India a “great power” that stands apart from nations trying to diminish Israel’s standing.
The remarks came after a widely described “love fest” during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent two-day visit to Israel in February 2026. During the trip, Netanyahu hosted Modi at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, and the two leaders held extensive talks on defense, technology, and trade.
“We face delegitimisation in the world, but not in India,” Netanyahu said, quoting public sentiment he observed during his interactions with Indian officials and citizens. He emphasized that India’s unwavering backing sets it apart from many other countries. The Israeli leader also noted that India has become one of the largest purchasers of Israeli military equipment, with both nations deepening cooperation in counter-terrorism, defense, and artificial intelligence.
India and Israel have announced plans to pursue a free trade agreement and signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty in New Delhi. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal finalized the Terms of Reference for the proposed India-Israel Free Trade Agreement during his November 2025 visit to Tel Aviv.
The Indian Embassy in Israel later called 2025 a “year of significant milestones” in bilateral ties, with high-level visits, defense cooperation memorandums, and cultural exchanges including the Holi-Purim Festival and multiple “Bharat Corners” at Israeli universities.
