India, Israel share ‘policy of zero tolerance’ against terrorism: Jaishankar

Jerusalem, Dec 16 (PTI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday condemned the terror attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach, saying that India and Israel both have a policy of “zero tolerance” against terrorism.

Jaishankar, who arrived in Israel on Tuesday on a two-day visit, made the remarks while addressing the press alongside Israeli counterpart Gideon Moshe Sa'ar here.  “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 said.  He thanked Israel for its support of India in its fight against terrorism.  At least 15 people were killed, and 40 were injured in an attack by two gunmen on a gathering during the Jewish festival Hanukkah by the Sea celebration on Sunday.

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

He said that they will be discussing a strategic partnership between the two countries, which has “really developed very significantly in the last decade.” Jaishankar said that India and Israel are “very complementary partners, and we must make the most of that.” He also reiterated India’s support for the Gaza peace plan and expressed hope that it will lead to a lasting and durable solution.

His visit comes as preparations are underway for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposed trip to India.

Netanyahu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke recently over the phone, after which the Israeli leader said the two would be “meeting very soon”.

During his stay, Jaishankar would also meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu.

"The discussions will revolve around bilateral and regional issues with a view to further deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries,” a source here told PTI.

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

Netanyahu's much-anticipated visit to India is expected to follow a series of high-level exchanges between the two sides.

Israeli Minister of Tourism Haim Katz, Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Avi Dichter and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich visited India earlier this year as the two countries build momentum towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

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

In the defence sector, the two countries last month inked a landmark agreement to enhance defence, industrial, and technological cooperation, enabling the sharing of advanced technology to promote co-development and co-production.

India and Israel have also expanded cooperation in the cultural and academic spheres, with film festivals, dance performances and filmmaker exchanges aimed at 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 to boost academic cooperation. PTI HM SCY RD ZH