'A Stronger, More Diverse Partnership That Benefits Both Israel and India' - Ambassador Reuven Azar

From security cooperation to cultural exchange, Ambassador Reuven Azar outlines a comprehensive vision for the India–Israel partnership.

Q - With the investment protection agreement now in its final stages between Israel and India, aiming to be signed soon, how will this pact enhance bilateral economic and trade sectors beyond defence cooperation?

Ambassador Reuven Azar: Israel and India are indeed in advanced negotiations on an Indian draft of a Bilateral Investment treaty. Israel hopes that the signing of the BIT, which is intended to mitigate investment risks, encourage capital flow between Israel and India and foster a more secure and predictable environment for businesses, will encourage the Israeli and Indian private sectors to increase mutual investments. We are already seeing a steady increase in the number of Israeli tech companies entering the Indian market, mainly in order to produce locally. We are also witnessing big Indian companies scouting for and investing in technologies in Israel that improve their competitive edge either in local or international markets. However, despite this visible trend, the volume of investment has been pretty limited so far. Overall, the BIT is about increasing the volume of mutual investments and building a stronger, more diverse partnership that benefits both Israel and India.

Q - Last year, bilateral trade reached nearly USD 4 billion. As strategic partners in defense, technology, and agriculture, what new sectors do you foresee driving the next phase of economic growth?

Ambassador Reuven Azar: The strength of our strategic partnership, particularly in defense, technology, and agriculture, is quite visible. As we look to the future, these sectors will continue to be important, but we also see significant potential in emerging areas that can drive the next phase of growth. Renewable energy, especially green hydrogen and solar power, stands out as a major opportunity given both countries' commitments to sustainability. Water technology is another critical area where Israel's expertise can greatly benefit India's resource management and water purification and desalination challenges. Additionally, cybersecurity and deep-tech startups are rapidly growing sectors where innovation and collaboration will be key. Israel is also interested in attracting Indian infrastructure companies to apply for international tenders in Israel. Overall, our relationship is evolving into a multifaceted partnership that goes well beyond traditional areas, creating new avenues for shared prosperity and innovation.

Q- India recently issued a travel advisory for its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran due to the escalation following “Operation Rising Lion.” How does Israel view India’s approach, and are there collaborative security mechanisms between the two countries?

Ambassador Reuven Azar:  India's decision to issue a travel advisory to its citizens falls within the responsibility to protect its citizens, especially when regional tensions escalate. 

While Israel recognizes and respects India's interests, decades of diplomacy haven’t stopped the Iranian theocratic and fanatic regime’s genocidal intentions towards Israel, nor its hostility towards the region. 

Iran had three operational plans to annihilate Israel. The first has been through the creation of proxy armies like Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis and the Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria. The second has been investing tens of billions of dollars in a military nuclear program. They renewed weaponization activity.  The third has been their creation of a ballistic missile arsenal, which had the potential of reaching a stockpile of 20 thousand missiles within 6 years. The unprovoked atrocious attack by Hamas on the 7^th of October, followed by attacks on Israel by other Iranian proxies, led to Israeli retaliation. The Iranian chose to attack Israel with barrages of hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones, to which we retaliated as well thereby neutralizing many of these threats. We hope Iran changes course and welcomes India’s diplomatic efforts. Our security cooperation is grounded in mutual trust and a shared commitment to stability and peace, not only in our own regions but globally. We continue to work closely with India to enhance these mechanisms, ensuring that both countries are well-prepared to respond to emerging challenges. So, while India's travel advisory is a sovereign choice, it also underscores the importance of the strong security partnership we have built together over the years.

Q- Given the heightened Iran–Israel tension and India’s strategic balancing, do you see opportunities for deeper tri-lateral diplomacy or mediation efforts involving India, Israel, and Iran?

Ambassador Reuven Azar: We believe that dialogue and diplomacy are essential tools for reducing tensions and fostering stability. India could indeed provide valuable avenues for facilitating communication and promoting peace. More importantly, India can and I’m sure play a role in creating prosperity in our region through projects of economic cooperation in the work force, energy, logistics, communications, energy and more. 

Ambassador Reuven Azar

Q - With over 40,000 Indian workers already in Israel and plans to expand this number, how is Israel ensuring their rights and welfare? What are the long-term plans for this workforce exchange?

Ambassador Reuven Azar: India and Israel value the work of the more than 40,000 Indian nationals currently contributing across sectors in Israel, particularly construction, caregiving, and services. With plans to expand this workforce, Israel is deeply committed to ensuring their rights and well‑being. Through formal agreements and regulatory oversight, we ensure fair contracts, access to legal support, and safe working conditions. We collaborate with Indian authorities and NGOs to prevent exploitation and provide language and skills training for smoother integration.

For instance, I met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath last year during my visit and discussed increasing the availability of the state's skilled manpower in Israel.

Looking ahead, the long‑term vision is to create a sustainable and growing workforce exchange. This includes expanding regulated recruitment, joint training programs, and long-term employment opportunities that benefit both Indian workers and Israel's economy.

Q- Can you comment on the growing number of Indian students traveling to Israel for studies and innovation programs—how could India–Israel academic collaboration be scaled further?

Ambassador Reuven Azar: Absolutely, the rising number of Indian students, doctorands and post-doctorands coming to Israel is a wonderful development and reflects the growing academic and innovation ties between our countries. Israel’s vibrant startup ecosystem and cutting-edge research institutions offer fantastic opportunities for Indian students to gain hands-on experience in fields like technology, biotechnology, and agriculture.

To scale this collaboration further, we’re focused on expanding student exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and scholarships. Strengthening partnerships between universities and innovation hubs in both countries will also help foster deeper knowledge sharing. Ultimately, these efforts not only enhance education but also build a strong foundation for future economic and technological cooperation between our nations.

Q- Both countries are part of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). In light of recent regional disruptions, how critical is Israel’s role in securing and operationalizing IMEC’s route?

Ambassador Reuven Azar: Israel's role in the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor is vital. Acting as a strategic link between these regions, we bring strong infrastructure and proven security experience to the table. With recent disruptions in the region, Israel's stability and ability to protect key trade routes help keep the corridor running smoothly.

Our experience in safeguarding critical assets and facilitating seamless trade flows is invaluable in addressing challenges posed by geopolitical uncertainties. Israel is fully committed to collaborating with partners along the IMEC route to enhance connectivity, promote economic integration, and secure this vital trade corridor for the mutual benefit of all involved countries.

Q- Could you outline Israel’s specific contributions or infrastructure commitments in advancing IMEC, such as through technology, logistics, or regulatory cooperation?

Ambassador Reuven Azar: Israel brings several key strengths to advancing the IMEC. First, our cutting-edge technology solutions - especially in areas like smart logistics, cybersecurity, and supply chain management - help optimize the efficiency and security of trade routes.

On the infrastructure side, Israel is investing in modernizing ports, transportation hubs, and digital systems to facilitate faster and more transparent movement of goods. We're also actively engaged in regulatory cooperation, working closely with partners to harmonize customs procedures, enhance cross-border trade facilitation, and ensure compliance with international standards. Together, these contributions enable IMEC to function as a seamless, secure, and reliable corridor that can unlock significant economic opportunities for all participating countries.

Q- India remains Israel’s largest military arms client in Asia. With joint projects like drone, AI, quantum and robotics development underway, what new defense or dual-use technologies can we expect in the near future?

Ambassador Reuven Azar: There is deep trust and strategic alignment between our countries and we do have a strong defense cooperation. Building on successful joint projects in areas like drones, automatic devices, radar systems, advanced munitions. Missile defense and more we anticipate exciting advancements in several cutting-edge areas.

The advanced technologies will not only strengthen India's defense capabilities but also drive broader technological growth and economic collaboration, reinforcing our partnership's multifaceted nature.

Q- How do you envision India and Israel balancing defense ties with global relationships, especially as both navigate wider geopolitical alignments?

Ambassador Reuven Azar: India and Israel have a strong defense partnership based on trust and shared goals. Our focus is on working together for mutual benefit and regional stability, not on taking sides against against. As the world's geopolitical landscape shifts, we stay committed to deepening our cooperation while respecting each other's broader diplomatic ties. This balanced, practical approach helps us achieve our security goals and support peace in the region.

Of course, defense is just one part of our relationship - we also collaborate on trade, technology, agriculture, and culture, all grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for the future.

Q- The Indo-Israeli Agriculture Project has created multiple Centers of Excellence across India. Are there plans to expand its scope into newer domains like dairy, floriculture, or climate-resilient farming?

Ambassador Reuven Azar: Absolutely, the Indo-Israeli Agriculture Project has been a great success with its Centers of Excellence across India, focusing on areas like horticulture and water management. Building on this foundation, we're keen to expand into new domains such as dairy, floriculture, and especially climate-resilient farming techniques.

Given the challenges posed by climate change, developing sustainable and resilient agricultural practices is a priority for both our countries. We're exploring innovative technologies that can help Indian farmers improve productivity, manage resources more efficiently, and adapt to changing environmental conditions. This expansion will not only strengthen our agricultural partnership but also contribute to food security and rural development in India, making the collaboration even more impactful.

Q- With yoga, tourism, and academic exchange gaining momentum, how do you see Israel nurturing people-to-people ties and cultural soft power in India?

Ambassador Reuven Azar:  People-to-people ties are truly the heart of any strong relationship, and between Israel and India, these connections are growing beautifully. With the rising popularity of yoga, expanding tourism, and deepening academic exchanges, we see wonderful opportunities to nurture our cultural bonds.

Israel welcomes more Indian tourists each year who are eager to explore our rich history, innovation hubs, and vibrant communities. At the same time, our academic and innovation partnerships allow young people from both countries to collaborate, learn, and build lifelong friendships. We're also hosting dozens of Indian delegations, promoting cultural events, arts, and culinary exchanges to bring our people closer together. Through these initiatives, Israel aims to deepen understanding, friendship, and mutual respect—strengthening the soft power that complements our strategic ties.

Q-India has historically maintained a balanced stance on regional conflicts, including vote abstentions at the UN on Gaza despite strong bilateral ties. How do you interpret India’s diplomatic positioning in relation to Israel’s key foreign policy goals?

Ambassador Reuven Azar:  India's diplomatic approach, including its balanced stance on regional conflicts like Gaza, reflects its longstanding tradition of strategic autonomy and commitment to maintaining good relations with all parties. Israel appreciates India's sovereign decision to support our right to defend ourselves.

Our bilateral relationship is based on trust, mutual respect, and shared interests that transcend individual votes or positions at multilateral forums. India and Israel continue to work closely on a wide range of strategic, economic, and technological collaborations, demonstrating that our partnership remains strong and forward-looking.

Q- Given the ongoing tensions between Israel and Syria, could you please share Israel's current stance on the situation? Additionally, Israel has been noted for its efforts to protect the Druze community in the region. Could you explain the reasons behind this approach and its significance in the broader regional context?

Ambassador Reuven Azar: Israel remains vigilant regarding the ongoing situation in Syria, following the fact that the new government there has jihadi roots and cooperates with radical elements committing terrible atrocities against Syrian minorities. Given that back at the beginning of the Syrian Civil War such elements approached our border, we took precautionary measures to make sure no threat came close to our border.  As for the Inhumane attack against the Druze community in Sweida, Israel's commitment to protecting them is rooted in respect for their longstanding cultural and historical ties with Israel. Unfortunately, many Druze in Syria have faced severe persecution, including torture and targeting by certain Syrian militias. Israel views their safety as a humanitarian imperative and recognizes that protecting vulnerable minority communities helps promote regional stability. By supporting the Druze, Israel aims to foster coexistence and build bridges in an often volatile environment. It's part of our broader commitment to peace and security, respecting diversity, and standing against oppression wherever it occurs.

Q-As Ambassador since August 2024, how would you sum up the transformation of Israel–India relations under your tenure? What landmark achievements would you highlight, and what remains your biggest goal?

Ambassador Reuven Azar:  Since I took on the role of Ambassador in August 2024, I've really seen Israel–India relations take a big leap forward. Our partnership is no longer just about defense — it's growing fast in tech, agriculture, renewable energy, and even people-to-people ties. One of the landmarks will be the signing of the Bilateral Investment Treaty, which will provide a solid foundation for increased economic cooperation beyond defense. We've also seen significant progress in expanding workforce mobility programs and enhancing academic and innovation exchanges, as well as the expansion of the Indo-Israel Centres of Excellence from 32 to 40. Looking ahead, my biggest goal is to further diversify and deepen our collaboration, ensuring that the benefits of this partnership reach more sectors and more people in both countries. Strengthening cultural connections and using technology for sustainable development are really at the heart of what we want to achieve together.