Israel’s Ambassador to India Reuven Azar has described the India-Israel relationship as a “special and unique partnership,” outlining six key values that he said form the foundation of the growing bilateral ties between the two nations.
In a video message shared on social media, Azar said both countries are bound by shared experiences of civilisational resilience and national revival. He noted that despite historical challenges and external threats, both India and Israel have preserved their identities and continue to strengthen their national and cultural foundations.
The envoy identified counter-terrorism cooperation as the second major pillar of the relationship. He said both nations face common security challenges, particularly from extremist threats, and have worked together for decades to develop strategies and capabilities to address them effectively.
Azar also highlighted democratic values as a core element of the partnership, describing India as the world’s largest democracy. He said freedoms such as expression and entrepreneurship reflect a shared democratic spirit that strengthens bilateral understanding.
Innovation and competitiveness were described as the fourth pillar. According to him, both India and Israel have emerged as global hubs of technological advancement and continue to collaborate to build stronger and more competitive economies through innovation-driven growth.
The fifth pillar, he said, is religious tolerance and cultural acceptance. Azar pointed out that India has historically maintained strong traditions of coexistence and noted the long-standing comfort of Jewish communities in India, which has contributed to deep mutual respect between the two societies.
The final pillar, according to the ambassador, is inclusive and sustainable development. He emphasized that both countries aim to ensure economic progress benefits all sections of society, including underprivileged communities and people facing social or physical challenges.
Azar concluded that India is one of the few countries in the world that shares such deep alignment of values with Israel. He added that strengthening this partnership requires not only shared thinking but also practical cooperation and investment in turning these values into real-world outcomes.
