Netanyahu’s Support for India Amid Trade Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his support for India during its ongoing trade tensions with the United States. Speaking on Thursday, Netanyahu emphasized India’s significant role on the global stage, describing it as a standout nation in Asia. He highlighted the strong relationship between the US and India, referring to them as “two terrific friends with so much common ground.” Netanyahu expressed optimism about resolving the trade issues, underscoring the basic understanding in Washington DC that India is a solid partner.

US Tariffs on Indian Exports

The backdrop to Netanyahu’s remarks is the recent announcement by US President Donald Trump of an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian exports. This decision was made as a penalty for India’s continued importation of Russian crude oil. The new tariffs follow an earlier imposition of 25 percent tariffs on Indian exports on July 20. Dammu Ravi, Secretary of Economic Relations at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, criticized the US decision as unilateral and lacking logic or reason.

India’s Stance on Trade and Agriculture

In response to the tariffs, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly stated that India would not compromise on the interests of its farmers, fishermen, and livestock rearers. Modi expressed his readiness to face any challenges for their welfare, emphasizing India’s commitment to its agricultural community.

Military Cooperation Between India and Israel

Netanyahu also acknowledged India’s use of Israeli military technology, such as the Barak-8 missile and HARPY drones, during Operation Sindoor. He praised the effectiveness of these weapons, noting that they are battle-tested and developed in real-world conditions. Israel ranks as the fourth largest supplier of military hardware to India over the past decade, following Russia, France, and the US.