Netanyahu stresses stronger India-Israel bond; MEA dismisses defence pact reports

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening relations between Israel and India, highlighting the close partnership between the two countries.

Netanyahu's remarks came a day after he held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which the two leaders reviewed bilateral ties and discussed developments in West Asia.

Netanyahu stresses stronger ties

Speaking about the relationship between the two countries, Netanyahu said India and Israel would continue working to strengthen their bond.

The remarks underscored the growing strategic relationship between New Delhi and Tel Aviv, which spans areas including trade, investment, technology, innovation and defence cooperation.

The two countries have continued efforts to deepen economic engagement, with a bilateral investment agreement also forming part of the expanding partnership.

Modi, Netanyahu discuss partnership

During their telephone conversation on Thursday, Modi and Netanyahu reviewed progress in the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit.

The leaders also exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia and agreed to remain in contact over regional developments.

The conversation came amid continuing geopolitical developments in the region and renewed diplomatic engagement between India and Israel.

India rejects defence pact claim

Netanyahu's remarks also came on a day when India's Ministry of External Affairs rejected reports claiming that New Delhi had approached Israel for a defence pact in response to a Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey security framework.

The MEA described the reports, which had circulated through Turkish media and social media, as "fake news".

Despite the speculation, India and Israel have continued to publicly emphasise their bilateral strategic partnership and cooperation across several sectors.