NEW DELHI: Israel on Friday said that India’s vote at the United Nations General Assembly against the American recognition of Jerusalem as its capital will not affect its ties with India. Speaking to the media, ambassador of Israel Daniel Carmon indicated that Israel and India maintained “all weather friendship” and that discussion on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement was underway.
“Our relationship is richer and wider in terms of collaboration and complementarity. It (the issue of India’s negative vote at the UN General Assembly) is being talked about through diplomatic channels between our countries. We always want the international community to vote for us. Of course we are not happy when some do not support us,” said Ambassador Carmon, reminding that Israel has recently supported India’s candidate for the International Court of Justice, Judge Dalveer Bhandari.
The Israeli envoy spoke about his country’s position on India’s UNGA vote while sharing details of the January 14-19 visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is the second prime minister of Israel to visit New Delhi since both countries established diplomatic ties 25 years ago.
Mr. Netanyahu, who will visit Delhi, Gujarat, and Mumbai, will be accompanied by a 130-member strong business delegation and will bring along Baby Moshe, an Israeli survivor of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. The terrorists killed Moshe’s parents who worked at the Chabad House in the city. “Baby Moshe is no longer a baby now. He will accompany the Prime Minister,” confirmed the envoy.
He also confirmed that the head of the Innovation Authority of Israel, a potential partner of India’s Digital India and Startup India projects, will accompany Mr. Netanyahu. Mr. Carmon also highlighted that discussion on a Free Trade Agreement was on between both sides and the next round of discussion on this issue would be held in February.
“There should not be any deadline on such discussions,” he said, indicating that defence, cyber security, agriculture cooperation would be on the table during PM Netanyahu’s visit.
