Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu hails India after deferred visit, says ‘full confidence on nation’s security’

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s India visit was deferred amid reported security concerns after the Red Fort blast, with his office confirming a new date is being coordinated and reaffirming strong India-Israel ties.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu hails India after deferred visit, says ‘full confidence on nation’s security’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara. (Photo: Twitter)

Amid reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to India had been deferred over security concerns, his office on Tuesday clarified that a new date is being coordinated.

In a statement shared on X, Netanyahu’s office said that Israel’s bond with India is very strong and the teams of both countries are already coordinating a new visit date.

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“The PM has full confidence in India’s security under PM Modi,” Netanyahu’s office stated.

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The statement from Netanyahu’s office comes after an Israeli media report claimed that his trip to India was delayed over security concerns following the Red Fort bomb blast in New Delhi.

This was reportedly the third instance this year that the Israeli leader has postponed his visit to India.

Netanyahu was slated to visit India before the end of the year. His last India visit came more than seven years ago in 2018.

Netanyahu’s condolence post after Red Fort blast

After the Red Fort blast, Netanyahu had offered condolences to PM Modi and to the people of India.

In a statement shared on X, Netanyahu called India and Israel ancient civilisations that stand on eternal truths and emphasised that terror strikes will never shake the strong resolve of the people of both countries.

“To our dear friend Narendra Modi and to the brave people of India: Sara and I, and the people of Israel, send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Israel stands strong with you in sorrow and in strength in this time,” the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.

“India and Israel are ancient civilisations that stand on eternal truths. Terror may strike our cities, but it will never shake our souls. The light of our nations will outshine the darkness of our enemies,” it added.

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