Amid rising trade tensions between India and the United States following Donald Trump’s announcement of steep tariffs on Indian goods, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday expressed confidence that the two nations could find common ground. He noted that India and the US "share significant common ground" and added that “a resolution is possible.”
According to a report by CNN-News18, Netanyahu voiced strong support for India’s position in the ongoing tariff dispute, saying there is a “basic understanding in Washington DC that India is a solid partner.”
Highlighting India’s regional significance, the Israeli leader called it a country that “stands out in Asia.”
Just a week after imposing a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, Trump on Wednesday announced an additional 25 per cent levy on imports from India, calling it a "penalty" for New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. The combined 50 per cent tariff now stands as the highest imposed on any country, tied only with Brazil.
In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong message earlier today, saying that India would not compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fishermen.
“India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fishermen brothers and sisters. I know personally that I will have to pay a heavy price for this, but I am prepared for it. India stands firmly with its farmers, and I am ready to face whatever it takes for their welfare,” Modi said, underscoring his government’s resolve to shield rural communities despite mounting international pressure.
Netanyahu also pointed to the close defence cooperation between Israel and India, particularly citing the performance of Israeli military equipment during Operation Sindoor. He said the equipment was “battle-proven” and “worked well,” offering clear proof of the effectiveness and reliability of Israel’s defence exports.
India used Israeli-made loitering munitions like the Harpy and SkyStriker effectively during its military operation after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. These "suicide drones" targeted and destroyed Pakistan’s air defence systems, including advanced radars from the US and Chinese-made HQ-9 missile sites.
The success of these drones in such a critical mission highlights Israel’s role as a reliable defence partner for India. This growing cooperation is also part of a broader strategic alignment between India, Israel, and the US, reflecting shared security goals in an increasingly complex global environment.
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