Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he enjoys more followers from India than from anywhere else in the world, describing the country as a key strategic partner amid evolving geopolitical realities in West Asia.
Speaking during an interaction on Israel’s regional strategy, alliances and technological growth, Netanyahu said India remained strongly supportive of Israel despite what he described as growing “delegitimisation” faced by the Jewish state in several parts of the world.
“We have problems of delegitimisation in the world, but not in India,” Netanyahu said.
“There is tremendous love for Israel there, truly tremendous. I think I have more followers from India than from anywhere else, although of course they have 1.4 billion people,” he added.
The Israeli Prime Minister referred to India as a “huge power” and said ties with New Delhi formed part of Israel’s broader effort to expand strategic partnerships beyond the traditional contours of the Middle East.
“What you are talking about is the expansion of these alliances into a larger space. And the larger space is indeed our unique connection with a huge power called India,” he said.
Netanyahu’s remarks came as he outlined Israel’s efforts to strengthen regional and global alliances amid ongoing tensions involving Iran and armed groups aligned with Tehran.
The Israeli leader also highlighted his engagements with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recent years, which have often symbolised the growing warmth in bilateral relations.
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He said countries across regions were increasingly seeking partnerships with Israel due to its military capabilities, technological innovation and economic strength.
“Today Israel has demonstrated its determination, offensiveness, stratagems and also its technology. The desire to connect with us stems from all these reasons,” Netanyahu said.
He further claimed that even major European powers were approaching Israel for advanced military and technological cooperation.
India and Israel have significantly expanded cooperation over the past decade across sectors including defence, agriculture, cyber security, innovation, water management and artificial intelligence.
The two countries elevated ties to a strategic partnership in recent years, with Prime Minister Modi becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel in 2017. Netanyahu later visited India in 2018, further deepening bilateral cooperation.
The remarks come at a time when India continues to balance its ties in West Asia while maintaining strong relations with both Israel and key Arab nations amid the evolving regional conflict.
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