New Delhi, May 27: Emphasising the deep strategic and civilisational ties between India and Israel, Israel’s Ambassador to India Reuven Azar on Tuesday said the bilateral relationship is anchored in six core values, including resilience, counter-terrorism, democracy, innovation, religious tolerance and inclusive development.
In a video message shared on X, Azar described India-Israel ties as “special and unique”, attributing the strength of the partnership to shared historical experiences and common values.
He said the first pillar of the relationship is civilisational resilience and national revival, noting that both countries have preserved their identities despite centuries of external challenges and historical adversity.
The second foundation, according to Azar, is cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism.
He said both nations face threats from growing global extremism and have worked together over decades to strengthen capabilities and security responses.
Highlighting democratic values as the third element, Azar described India as the world’s largest democracy and said freedoms such as speech and entrepreneurship form an important basis for bilateral cooperation.
Innovation and competitiveness constitute the fourth pillar of the partnership, he said, stressing that both countries are leveraging technology and innovation to improve living standards and strengthen economic prosperity.
Azar identified religious tolerance and shared spiritual heritage as the fifth key value, noting India’s long-standing tradition of coexistence and the absence of anti-Semitism in the country.
The final pillar, he said, is inclusive development, with both nations working to ensure economic progress benefits disadvantaged and vulnerable sections of society.
Underscoring the depth of ties, Azar said the two countries should continue investing in practical cooperation and translating shared values into tangible outcomes.
India and Israel have steadily expanded engagement across defence, technology, agriculture, trade and innovation in recent years, reinforcing their strategic partnership.
