Jaishankar Details Israel's Military Support to India, Affirms Ongoing Friendship with Iran
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made significant revelations on Wednesday, emphasizing Israel's crucial role in assisting India during military conflicts and serving as a reliable source of defence technology. The minister's statements came during an all-party meeting, where he balanced this acknowledgment with assurances that India's ties with Iran remain amicable, highlighted by Iran's decision to permit the passage of four Indian ships through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Israel's Strategic Assistance in Military Engagements
In response to a query from NCP leader Supriya Sule regarding the benefits of India's relationships with the United States and Israel, sources indicated that Jaishankar provided detailed insights. While the United States stands as a major trading partner and provider of high-end technology, Israel is recognized as a leading technological ally. Most notably, the minister confirmed that Israel has actively helped India during military conflicts, a point that, though not elaborated upon, is widely interpreted as referring to swift support provided during confrontations with Pakistan.
This confirmation marks a notable moment, as it is the first time, according to sources, that Jaishankar has publicly acknowledged such assistance, albeit in a closed-door, in camera setting. The backdrop of these remarks included discussions on perceptions of India's foreign policy tilt towards the US-Israel axis, which opposition party representatives raised during the meeting.
Maintaining Cordial Relations with Iran Amid Regional Tensions
Jaishankar robustly dismissed allegations that India had maintained silence or delayed condolences following the assassination of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He clarified that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signed the condolence book on the very day it was opened, countering claims of diplomatic neglect.
Further addressing concerns about damaged ties with Iran, the minister explained that the government had to consider the "outrage" expressed by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia over damages caused by Iranian drones and missiles. This consideration is particularly significant given that over 8 million Indian nationals work in these two Gulf countries, underscoring the complex diplomatic balancing act.
Reciprocal Gestures and Naval Cooperation
Highlighting the positive aspects of India-Iran relations, Jaishankar pointed to Iran's appreciation for India's assistance in saving its naval ship, IRIS Lavan. India allowed the vessel to anchor at Kochi port when a US nuclear submarine, which had previously sunk its sister ship IRIS Dena, was operating in the Indian Ocean. The minister noted that IRIS Dena might have survived if it had accepted India's offer of safe harbor instead of drifting into international waters, where it was struck by a torpedo.
In a reciprocal gesture, government officials noted during the meeting that Iran has permitted four Indian ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, despite the blockade imposed since the outbreak of regional conflicts, with five additional vessels expected to follow. This action demonstrates ongoing cooperation and friendly ties between the two nations, even amidst broader geopolitical tensions.
The minister's comprehensive address at the all-party meeting effectively outlined India's nuanced foreign policy approach, strategically leveraging relationships with both Israel and Iran to bolster national security and economic interests, while navigating the intricate dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
