Netanyahu also confirmed that Israeli military equipment was used in India’s Operation Sindoor and worked effectively. (Photo: Reuters File Image)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has extended support to India as it faces steep 50% tariffs from the United States. In a media interaction on Thursday, he said he would offer Prime Minister Narendra Modi “some advice” on handling Donald Trump, but in private.
Netanyahu also confirmed that Israeli military equipment was used in India’s Operation Sindoor and worked effectively. He offered to assist India in boosting its surveillance system against cross-border terrorism and also expressed a desire to visit India soon.
Netanyahu touched upon the deadlock between India and the US over trade tariffs. He stressed the importance of both countries reaching common ground.
ALSO READ: Netanyahu Wins Cabinet Backing for Gaza City Seizure
“There is a basic understanding in the relationship between India and the US,” he said. “The basis of the relationship is very solid. It will be in the interest of India and the US to arrive at a common ground and resolve the tariff issue. Such a resolution will be good for Israel as well as both countries are our friends.”
With a touch of humour, he said, “Modi and Trump are terrific friends of mine. Yes, I would give Modi some advice (on dealing with Trump), but privately.”
The Israeli PM confirmed that Israeli-supplied military equipment played a role in Operation Sindoor. He highlighted that the defence partnership between India and Israel is on the rise.
“Israel supplied military equipment to India before (Op Sindoor). All of them worked well. Israeli equipment used during Operation Sindoor was battle-proven,” he said.
He added that this defence cooperation would grow even stronger shortly.
Netanyahu also offered technological assistance to India in monitoring cross-border terror threats. He acknowledged India’s vast geography and the difficulty of nationwide surveillance.
"India is a huge country, and it is not easy to have surveillance all over. We are ready to help India with air surveillance systems. Besides intelligence, we need the physical capability to get the terrorists before they strike,” he said.
“You always have to be ahead of the curve, you don’t allow them to break you, you have to act before what is likely to come and be hatched by them,” Netanyahu added.
On the diplomatic front, Netanyahu said he is eager to visit India “soon”. He also said that Israel wants to establish direct flights between Tel Aviv and Bengaluru.
He said that this action will reduce travel time to six hours, which is less time than taking a plane to San Francisco.
MUST READ: As India Hits Back at Trump’s Tariffs, Netanyahu Drops a Strategic Hint
