New Delhi: “Together with peace-loving nations and our trusted friend Israel, we are committed to eradicating terrorism from the world. The time has come for a final, decisive war against terror, and every country must come together to fight it, said senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan at the Israel Independence Day celebration held at the Israeli Embassy Thursday.
“We do not interfere in others’ affairs, nor do we provoke anyone—but if provoked, we respond decisively,” Chouhan said, referring to Operation Sindoor.
“Two days ago, under Operation Sindoor, the actions of our armed forces were a clear and firm response to terrorism”, he said.
On the enduring nature of India-Israel relations, Chouhan said, “Our friendship with Israel has stood the test of time. It is rooted in mutual trust and will remain unbreakable. Our shared democratic values and vision for progress bind us closely.”
He stressed the need for a united global front to eliminate terrorism and called on global unity to fight it collectively.
Chouhan expressed gratitude to Israel and other nations that support India’s efforts in counter-terrorism. “Terrorism knows no religion or creed. India has always taken a firm stand against it and will continue to do so.”
He also condemned the attacks in Israel on 7 October, describing them as acts of terrorism. “What happened in Israel was a clear act of terror. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood firmly with Israel and expressed India’s support in unequivocal terms.”
Israel had earlier expressed support for India’s “right to self-defense” following Operation Sindoor Wednesday.
“Israel supports India’s right for self-defense. Terrorists must understand there’s nowhere to hide from their horrific crimes against innocent people,” Reuven Azar, Israel’s Ambassador to India, wrote on X.
Azar was also among the first foreign envoys to offer official condolences after the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists—25 of them Indian nationals and one a foreigner.
(Edited by Zinnia Ray Chaudhuri)
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