India’s Involvement in Gaza Conflict Resolution is Its Own Decision: Israel’s New Ambassador :-
Reuven Azar, Israel’s newly appointed ambassador to India, has stated that the extent of India’s involvement in resolving the Gaza conflict is entirely up to India. In an exclusive interview, Azar acknowledged India’s growing influence in West Asia, highlighting its potential to play a vital role in bringing stability and prosperity to the region. He cited India’s significant investments, such as the Adani Group’s involvement in Haifa Port and recent agreements with the UAE, as examples of India’s increasing engagement in the region’s economic and political landscape.
Azar emphasized that Israel, too, wants to bring an end to the ongoing war and is working diligently to adhere to international humanitarian law, with the help of hundreds of legal experts. He noted that while countries like the United States and India support Israel’s right to self-defense, they also express concerns about the continuation of the conflict. Azar affirmed that Israel values these concerns and is actively working towards a resolution, while welcoming India’s friendship and support.
In addition to discussing the Gaza conflict, Azar outlined several key areas of bilateral cooperation with India, including defense, agriculture, infrastructure, semiconductors, and cyber security.
India’s Role in Gaza War Resolution
One of the key points in Azar’s discussion was India’s potential involvement in resolving the Gaza conflict. He recognized India’s increasing influence in West Asia and suggested that New Delhi has the ability to contribute to stability and prosperity in the region. However, Azar clarified that the extent of India’s involvement is a decision for India to make. With its investments in key projects like the Adani Group’s development of Haifa Port and its agreements with the UAE, India is already playing a significant role in shaping the future of West Asia.
Infrastructure Collaboration: Tel Aviv Metro System
Azar also spoke about a major infrastructure project—Israel’s plan to build a 100-km metro system in the Tel Aviv area. This is the first time Israel has sought India’s assistance in the construction sector, marking a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. Azar praised India’s vast experience in infrastructure development, pointing to its extensive metro, road, and port projects. The collaboration comes in the wake of a ban on Palestinian workers after the Hamas attack in October 2023, further emphasizing the need for alternative manpower and expertise.
Addressing Skill Mismatch and Worker Schemes
However, the partnership hasn’t been without its challenges. Azar acknowledged a skill mismatch among Indian construction workers who arrived in Israel under a bilateral scheme. He described these issues as “teething problems” but expressed optimism that both governments are working together to streamline the process. According to Azar, while there have been initial hiccups, most Israeli companies are satisfied with Indian workers, and the governments are committed to resolving the remaining issues to ensure smoother cooperation in the future.
Expanding Cooperation in Defense, Agriculture, and Technology
In addition to infrastructure, Azar outlined other pillars of the Israel-India relationship, including defense and security, agriculture, and water management. He stressed that cooperation on semiconductors and cyber security is especially crucial, given the global importance of these industries. Azar believes that joint efforts in these areas will be “absolutely essential” for both nations as they face emerging global challenges, particularly in the fields of technology and national security.
A Future-Focused Vision
- Azar’s vision for his tenure as ambassador is clear: to build on the strong foundation of Israel-India relations while expanding cooperation into new areas like infrastructure and technology. He sees immense potential in deepening the partnership, not just for the benefit of both countries but also for the broader stability and prosperity of the West Asia region.
