Israeli Envoy Praises PM Modi’s Role In India’s Economic Growth And Reforms

Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, on Tuesday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what he described as a "transformative role" in India's development and economic growth. In an interaction with IANS, Azar pointed to India's expanding economy, infrastructure development, reforms and the growing empowerment of young people as indicators of the country's transformation. He also recalled Modi's address to the Israeli Knesset earlier this year, describing it as a historic moment in India-Israel relations.

Azar said Modi's reception in Israel reflected the regard he enjoys among sections of the Israeli public. He highlighted the Prime Minister's Knesset address as an important event and linked it to the broader strengthening of ties between the two countries. The ambassador also pointed to India's increasing engagement with the global economy, describing the country's development and opening up to the world as significant changes during Modi's tenure.

The Israeli envoy also discussed the ongoing tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. With the 60-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran having ended, Azar argued that Iran's position had been significantly weakened and criticised Tehran's reported moves around maritime traffic through the strategic waterway. He pointed to efforts by several countries to develop alternative energy routes that could reduce their dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.

Also Read: Australian PM Praises India’s Democracy And Rapid Economic Growth On Independence Day

Azar referred to proposed and existing pipeline projects involving Iraq, Turkey, Syria, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. He argued that the development of alternative routes could reduce the leverage that Iran derives from the strategic waterway. According to the ambassador, the situation could ultimately limit Tehran's ability to use the strait as a means of exerting pressure on the international community and the United States.

The ambassador also commented on the recently signed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement involving Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, with Turkey having compared the arrangement to NATO's collective defence principle. Azar cautioned against drawing conclusions about the agreement's long-term significance at this stage. He noted the historically complex relationship between Saudi Arabia and Turkey and argued that the current arrangement could primarily reflect concerns over Iran's actions and regional security.

On Pakistan's role in the Iran-related diplomatic efforts, Azar said Islamabad had been assigned a diplomatic role by the United States but questioned how effective those efforts had been. He argued that the broader regional situation remained fluid and that the consequences of recent agreements and diplomatic initiatives would become clearer over time. His comments came amid continuing uncertainty over the Iran-US standoff, maritime security in the Gulf region and the wider geopolitical realignment involving countries across West and South Asia.

Also Read: From Informal Roots to Institutional Giants: How India Built Its Modern Economy