By Prime Minister's Office (GODL-India), GODL-India
Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday called on India to strengthen their bilateral relations by collaborating on geostrategic matters, particularly highlighting the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project, which he referred to as the “future of the world.”
“We hold immense respect for India and its leadership. The people of Israel have a deep affection for your nation. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to visit India and to welcome your President and Prime Minister to Israel,” Herzog stated during a ceremony at the President’s Official residence, where he received credentials from India’s newly appointed Ambassador to Israel, J P Singh.
“I wish you great success in your tenure. Our partnership can only reach new heights,” the Israeli President remarked, extending a warm welcome to India’s new envoy. He encouraged both nations to collaborate on critical geostrategic issues, including the safe return of hostages, preventing Iran from developing nuclear capabilities, and fostering peace and inclusivity, while also enhancing the strong ties between their peoples.
Discussing potential areas for cooperation, Herzog emphasized the IMEC as a transformative initiative that could reshape the global geostrategic landscape. “Your pivotal role will be in the IMEC. This project represents the future not just for our region, but for the world. The connectivity established between Israel and India will significantly alter the geostrategic dynamics in Europe, the United States, the Far East, and Australia. The responsibility lies with you, and I am here to support you,” he asserted.
The IMEC project was introduced during the G20 summit in New Delhi in 2023, aiming to create a network of infrastructure linking India to Europe via the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described it as “the largest cooperation project in our history,” one that will “transform the Middle East, Israel, and have a global impact.”
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in February, US President Donald Trump expressed his agreement with the Indian leader to expand the project’s scope, extending it all the way to America.
Singh highlighted the strategic partnership between India and Israel, emphasizing their mutual support during times of crisis. “We have assisted one another, and it is essential to further strengthen this strategic alliance. Our collaboration spans various sectors, including agriculture, water management, information technology, and defense cooperation. The IMEC initiative is particularly significant,” Singh stated.
He added, “As you are aware, the IMEC agreement was signed while India was presiding over the G20, and it aims to connect the vast Indian civilization with Europe and the Atlantic coast, traversing this region. Additionally, the I2U2 initiative is crucial for both nations,” the Indian envoy remarked.
The I2U2 group, which includes India, Israel, the US, and the UAE, was established during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Israel in October 2021, when the foreign ministers of the four countries held a virtual meeting to announce their intention to enhance physical connectivity among nations in the Middle East, among other objectives.
Herzog acknowledged the significance of I2U2, describing the relationship with the UAE as “very important.”
Singh also stressed the importance of “dialogue and diplomacy to achieve peace in the region” and expressed hope for the prompt and safe return of all hostages. “We are all experiencing a challenging period, and for us, dialogue and diplomacy are the means to attain peace in the region. I recognize that Israel, in particular, is facing a very difficult situation. We hope and pray for the swift and safe return of all hostages,” he remarked.
In response, Herzog stated, “This is our utmost priority. We want to see all our hostages returned home, every last one of them. They are enduring tremendous suffering, and we are deeply concerned and troubled by their plight.”
I would like to emphasize that this endeavor necessitates significant international collaboration. I also wish to express my gratitude to your government and your Prime Minister for their unwavering support of Israel since the outset on October 7th. I had the opportunity to meet your Prime Minister at the previous Climate Conference in the UAE, and I am aware of the strong rapport he shares with our Prime Minister. Our nations maintain robust relations, he remarked.
Herzog further addressed Iran’s ambitions to develop nuclear capabilities and Israel’s determination to thwart these efforts at all costs.
“The situation regarding Iran is currently at the forefront of our concerns, and we earnestly hope for significant developments that will hinder Iran’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities,” Herzog stated, expressing optimism that the ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran will yield positive outcomes.
Recently, the US has engaged in two rounds of discussions with Tehran, facilitated by Oman, aimed at reaching a diplomatic resolution regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Israel has asserted that it will “keep all options on the table” to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities, which it views as an existential threat.
Iran, on the other hand, insists that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes.
