External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently concluded a two-day visit to Israel, where he engaged in high-level discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. The talks primarily focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including defense, technology, and economic partnerships, with an emphasis on expediting the India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost trade beyond the current $10 billion annually. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to a strong strategic partnership, highlighting shared values, particularly a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, which resonated following a recent tragic attack in Sydney. Additionally, discussions included advanced defense technology collaborations, underscoring the growing ties between Indian entities like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Israeli firms, reflecting India’s broader defense modernization goals. This visit not only strengthens the India-Israel relationship but also positions India as a key player in regional stability and economic resilience, especially in the context of evolving geopolitical dynamics and initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).