Netanyahu highlighted India’s standing on the global stage and said that it is a country that “stands out in Asia”. He went on to describe the relationship between the US and India as “two terrific friends with so much common ground” adding that “a resolution is possible”.
Israeli PM Backs India Amid US Tariff Tensions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his support for India during its growing trade dispute with the United States. His remarks come at a critical time, following US President Donald Trump‘s announcement of additional 25% tariffs on Indian exports.
“India stands out in Asia,” Netanyahu said, emphasizing India’s growing role in global affairs. “The US and India are two terrific friends with so much common ground. A resolution is possible.”
US Imposes Tariffs Amid Russian Oil Imports
On August 6, President Trump imposed an extra 25% tariff on Indian exports, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil. This comes on top of an earlier tariff hike on July 20.
Indian officials have criticized the move. Dammu Ravi, Secretary of Economic Relations at the Ministry of External Affairs, stated:
“This is a unilateral decision. I don’t think there is any logic or reason in the way it is done.”
PM Modi: “India Won’t Compromise on Farmers’ Interests”
In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly defended India’s economic choices, especially those affecting the agricultural sector.
“India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fishermen. I know personally that I will have to pay a heavy price for this, but I am prepared for it,” PM Modi said.
Israel Acknowledges India’s Use of Israeli Weapons
Netanyahu also highlighted the success of Israeli-made weapons used by Indian forces, particularly during Operation Sindoor.
“The things we provided before worked very well on the field… We develop our weapons in the field, and they are battle-tested,” he noted.
India has used:
- Barak-8 missiles, co-developed with India’s DRDO
- HARPY drones
- Other advanced Israeli defense systems
Israel Among Top 5 Arms Suppliers to India
Over the last decade, Israel has ranked as the 4th largest supplier of military hardware to India. The top defense exporters to India include:
- Russia – $21.8 billion
- France – $5.2 billion
- United States – $4.5 billion
- Israel – Multiple high-tech systems
Final Take: Strategic Ties Overlap Trade Tensions
Despite the ongoing tariff tensions with the US, Netanyahu’s public support signals strengthening geopolitical and defense ties between India and Israel. The Indo-US relationship, too, remains strategically important, and as Netanyahu said, “a resolution is possible.”
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