A proposed December visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to India has been postponed due to increased security scrutiny since the recent blast in Delhi, ANI cited Israel's I24News as reporting.
The explosion near the Red Fort on November 10 killed at least 15 people and injured several others, leading to tightened security assessments on both sides. Investigators have since pointed to the presence of a "white-collar terror network," with the investigation still ongoing.
Netanyahu had earlier voiced solidarity with India over the attack, sending condolences and reiterating the common resolve of both countries against terrorism. In a statement, he said, “To our dear friend Narendra Modi and to the brave people of India: Sara and I, and the people of Israel, send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Israel stands strong with you in sorrow and in strength in this time.”
Also Read | Emergency closed-door meeting called in Geneva as Ukraine evaluates President Trump’s peace proposal
Historic ties and previous high-level visits
The last official visit of Netanyahu to India was in January 2018, during which he made a six-day tour that underlined a deepening partnership between the countries. This was only the second time an Israeli Prime Minister had visited India, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Israel in 2017. Over the years, both countries have strengthened cooperation in the spheres of defence, technology, agriculture, and innovation.
As per a report by The Times of India, while the postponement delays another important diplomatic engagement, officials say the rescheduling discussions are likely to begin soon.
Also Read | Fresh Nepal Gen-Z protest in Bara turns violent, curfew imposed in Simara
Goyal's Israel visit signals momentum in the Bilateral agenda
As per the reports, this development is close on the heels of the three-day visit by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to Israel. During the visit, Goyal met Netanyahu as well as other senior leaders, carrying Modi's warm wishes and apprising them of his talks with Minister Nir Barkat. He also interacted with business leaders through the Business Forum and the CEOs Forum.
Among the important outcomes mentioned on X by Goyal was the signing of the Terms of Reference to begin FTA negotiations.
