As the geopolitical landscape evolves and new alliances emerge, the relationship between India and Israel has stood out as one of resilience, vision, and mutual respect. At the confluence of ancient civilizations and modern democracies, this partnership has grown from transactional diplomacy to a transformative alliance — grounded in strategic cooperation, cutting-edge innovation, and deep-rooted cultural camaraderie.
In this exclusive GoaChronicle conversation, Israel’s Ambassador to India, His Excellency Reuven Azar, sits down with GoaChronicle Founder and Editor-in-Chief Savio Rodrigues for a candid exchange on the future of the India-Israel partnership. From defense co-development and startup ecosystems to counter-terror cooperation and youth exchanges, the discussion spans the key pillars shaping this robust relationship.
Ambassador Azar offers deep insight into Israel’s expanding footprint in India — from agricultural excellence and AI-driven security technologies to space collaboration and people-to-people initiatives. Rodrigues, a longtime advocate for stronger India-Israel ties, brings a journalist’s sharp curiosity and an Indian citizen’s empathy into the conversation, asking the questions that matter in today’s changing world.
As both nations navigate regional volatility, technological disruption, and a global war against terrorism and misinformation, this dialogue becomes more than just diplomacy — it is a reaffirmation of shared values and a glimpse into a partnership poised to define the next decade.
GoaChronicle (GC): Ambassador Azar, India and Israel share a strong and evolving partnership. What, in your view, are the three key pillars currently defining this bilateral relationship?
Azar: If I were to highlight the three key pillars defining our relationship today, I would say first is strategic and security cooperation. We work closely together on defense and intelligence, which is mutually vital in overcoming mutual security challenges.
The second pillar is innovation and technology. Whether it’s in agriculture, water tech, or cybersecurity, we’re teaming up to solve shared problems and boost growth.
Finally, the people-to-people ties between our nations are incredibly important. Cultural exchanges, tourism, and educational partnerships build friendships that strengthen everything we do together.
These three pillars – security, innovation, and PTP– truly capture the essence of the India-Israel relationship. We are working to expand the number of pillars to new fields such as guest workers and infrastructure.
GC: Defense and security collaboration between India and Israel has grown significantly over the years. What are the upcoming areas of joint innovation or strategic engagement we can expect in this space?
Azar: You’re absolutely right. Defense and security cooperation between India and Israel has grown tremendously over the years. We’ve built a strong foundation based on trust, shared interests, and real results.
Looking ahead, I see several exciting areas of joint innovation and strategic engagement. One key area is defense technology co-development. We’re moving beyond buyer-seller dynamics to create advanced systems together, especially in fields like drones, missile defense, AI-powered surveillance, and electronic warfare.
We’re also expanding our work on cybersecurity, where both countries face similar threats and can benefit greatly from each other’s expertise. Another important frontier is space security and satellite technologies, where we see real potential for collaboration.
Overall, the future of our defense partnership lies in innovation-driven, future-ready solutions — developed side by side by Israeli and Indian experts. It’s not just about equipment anymore; it’s about building capabilities together. Israel is a leading force in implementation of the Make in India policy.
GC: Israel is a global leader in innovation and startups. How is the Israeli Embassy facilitating tech transfers, incubator programs, or collaborative ventures between Indian and Israeli startups, especially in sectors like agritech, AI, and cybersecurity?
Azar: Israel is known for its innovation and startup culture, and at the Embassy, we’re really focused on bringing that energy to India. We actively support programs that encourage Indian and Israeli startups to work together, especially in fields like agritech, AI, and cybersecurity. For example, through joint R&D initiatives and accelerators like DRISHTI, we’re helping startups co-develop new technologies and find opportunities to grow. The Indo-Israeli Centers of Excellence in agriculture across India share Israeli expertise directly with farmers. This year we will introduce new technologies to the centers in fields such as pollination, post-harvest and micro-irrigation systems. It’s all about building strong, lasting partnerships where innovation flows both ways, and both countries benefit from each other’s strengths.
GC: Given the shifting dynamics in West Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific, how do you view India’s role in regional stability, and how does it align with Israel’s strategic interests?
Azar: India is a rising power. It plays an increasingly influential role in both West Asia and the Indo-Pacific. Its trade global potential is relevant not only for Israel but for our entire region. It requires accommodation through greater connectivity that will serve the flow of goods. We see India as a force for stability, dialogue, and pragmatic diplomacy in a region that’s going through rapid change. Whether it’s its engagement with the Gulf or its growing strategic and economic presence, India brings balance and a clear commitment to rules-based order.
For Israel, this aligns very well with our own strategic outlook. We both value regional cooperation, technological progress, and a secure environment where innovation and trade can thrive. Initiatives like I2U2, which bring together India, Israel, the UAE, and the US, or IMEC, the India Middle East Economic Corridor, are great examples of how our interests converge — not just in security, but also in food security, energy, and sustainable development.
India’s steady and constructive role in the region complements our efforts, and we’re proud to deepen our cooperation in this broader strategic context.
GC: In the aftermath of the October 7 terror attacks, what role do partnerships with countries like India play in Israel’s diplomatic outreach and in countering global misinformation or anti-Israel narratives?
Azar: The October 7 terror attacks were a tragic moment for Israel. In the aftermath, partnerships with countries like India have been incredibly important, not just diplomatically, but also morally. India has shown solidarity with us, and that matters deeply. It reflects the strong values we share: a commitment to fighting terrorism, defending democratic societies, and standing up for truth.
At a time when misinformation and biased narratives can spread so quickly, especially online, having partners like India who understand the complexity of the situation and are willing to engage with facts and principle makes a real difference. This partnership helps amplify our voice on the global stage and pushes back against one-sided or misleading portrayals.
We value India’s support not just as a friend, but as a country that understands the threat of terrorism firsthand and stands firmly against it.
I must highlight that PM Modi was one of the first world leaders to voice his strong support for Israel right after the Hamas attack, which meant a great deal to us. It shows the shared commitment between our nations to stand against terrorism.
GC: There is growing interest among Indians in Israeli culture, innovation, and tourism, and vice versa. What new initiatives are being taken to strengthen cultural, academic, and youth exchanges between our two countries?
Azar: It’s heartening to see a growing interest among Indians in Israeli culture, innovation, and tourism, and vice versa. To further strengthen these ties, we are actively fostering cultural, academic, and youth exchanges.
In the realm of culture, we’ve been organizing events that showcase Israeli art, music, and cuisine. These events not only introduce Israelis to Indian traditions but also provide a platform for cultural dialogue and mutual appreciation.
Academically, collaborations between our universities have been expanding. Joint research projects, student exchange programs, and faculty collaborations are becoming more common, allowing both nations to learn from each other’s educational systems and areas of expertise.
For the youth, we’ve introduced programs that encourage interaction and understanding. Youth delegations, internships, and collaborative workshops are being organized to promote shared values among the younger generation.
These initiatives are just the beginning. We’re committed to deepening our bonds with India.
GC: Looking ahead, where do you see India-Israel relations five years from now? What is your vision for the next chapter in this strategic partnership?
Azar: Looking ahead five years, I see India-Israel relations growing stronger and more diverse than ever before. Our partnership has already evolved from a narrow focus on defense to a broad-based collaboration spanning technology, agriculture, water management, and more. I believe this trend will only accelerate.
Our vision for the next chapter is paving the way for the private sector to intensify activities by signing a Mutual Investment Agreement between Israel and India, which is in advanced negotiations. We also hope to negotiate a trade deal and intensify the financial arrangements required for a smoother and cheaper interaction between companies. In addition, we are working to streamline our logistics to make the movement of goods more cost effective. We are working to expand cooperation between leading universities on both sides to encourage exchanges and joint R&D.
On the strategic front, we are sharing the lessons from recent military challenges experienced.
Most importantly, I see our friendship growing not just between governments, but between our people — young entrepreneurs, researchers, artists, and students who will carry this relationship forward for decades to come.
