India, Israel have zero tolerance for terrorism: Jaishankar

Jaishankar, on a visit to Israel, denounced the Bondi Beach terror attack and reaffirmed India’s unwavering stand against terrorism

PGurus Newsdesk

December 17, 2025

Jaishankar condemns Sydney Hanukkah terror attack, thanks Israel for support

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday strongly condemned the terror attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, asserting that India and Israel follow a policy of “zero tolerance” towards terrorism.

Jaishankar, who arrived in Israel on a two-day visit, made the remarks while addressing the media alongside his Israeli counterpart Gideon Moshe Sa’ar.

“Let me first of all convey our very sincere and deep condolences at the loss of life due to the terror attack during Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach. We condemn it in the strongest possible terms,” Jaishankar said.

At least 15 people were killed and 40 others injured when two gunmen opened fire at a gathering during the ‘Hanukkah by the Sea’ celebration on Sunday. The attackers were identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram, who migrated to Australia 27 years ago, and his 24-year-old Australian-born son, Naveed Akram.

Jaishankar thanked Israel for its consistent support to India’s fight against terrorism and reiterated New Delhi’s firm stance.

“Where India and Israel are concerned, we are both countries that have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. We deeply appreciate Israel’s support in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he said.

Highlighting the rapid expansion of bilateral ties, Jaishankar said the India–Israel strategic partnership has grown significantly over the past decade, encompassing government-to-government, business-to-business and people-to-people cooperation across multiple sectors.

“We are very complementary partners, and we must make the most of that,” he noted, adding that discussions also covered regional developments and the Gaza peace plan, with India reiterating its support for a lasting and durable peace.

Later, in a post on X, Jaishankar said he had conveyed his deepest condolences to Israel over the attack and reaffirmed India’s unwavering resolve against terrorism.

“Held productive discussions on our strategic partnership and its further advancement across various domains. Also exchanged perspectives on regional developments, the Gaza peace plan and efforts to achieve lasting and durable peace,” he wrote.

Jaishankar’s visit comes amid preparations for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed visit to India. Netanyahu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently held a phone conversation, after which the Israeli leader said the two would be “meeting very soon”.

During his stay, Jaishankar is also scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation and regional issues.

Jaishankar arrived in Tel Aviv from Abu Dhabi, where he participated in the Sir Bani Yas Forum, the 16th India–UAE Joint Commission Meeting, and the 5th India–UAE Strategic Dialogue on December 15.

High-level exchanges between India and Israel have gathered momentum in recent months. Israeli ministers including Haim Katz, Nir Barkat, Avi Dichter and Bezalel Smotrich have visited India this year as both sides move towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

In September, India and Israel signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), followed by the adoption of Terms of Reference for the proposed FTA last month. The two countries also signed a landmark defence cooperation agreement to boost industrial and technological collaboration.

Cooperation has expanded beyond strategic sectors to include culture and academia. On Monday, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Tel Aviv University signed an MoU to establish an India Chair, aimed at strengthening academic engagement and people-to-people ties.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.