Netanyahu Offers Private Advice to Modi on Trump Tariffs

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered to provide guidance to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the challenges posed by the steep tariffs levied by the United States. During a press briefing on Thursday, Netanyahu indicated that he would share his insights on managing relations with US President Donald Trump but specified that this advice would be delivered privately.

Netanyahu emphasized the significance of resolving the ongoing trade dispute between India and the United States, which has seen tariffs rise to 50%. He expressed confidence in the strong foundation of the relationship between the two countries. “There is a basic understanding in the relationship between India and the US,” he remarked. “It will be in the interest of India and the US to arrive at common ground and resolve the tariff issue. Such a resolution will be beneficial for Israel as well, as both countries are our friends.”

Strengthening Ties and Future Collaborations

The Israeli leader expressed a keen interest in visiting India “soon” and discussed the potential for launching direct flights between Tel Aviv and Bengaluru. He noted that this route could significantly reduce travel time to just six hours, making it a more accessible connection than a flight to San Francisco.

Turning to defense collaborations, Netanyahu highlighted the effectiveness of Israeli military equipment during India’s recent Operation Sindoor. He noted that the equipment supplied by Israel had performed reliably and underscored its value in enhancing India’s military capabilities. “All of them worked well. Israeli equipment used during Operation Sindoor was battle-proven,” he stated.

In addressing the issue of cross-border terrorism, Netanyahu offered to assist India in enhancing its surveillance systems. “India is a huge country, and it is not easy to have surveillance all over,” he explained. “We are ready to help India with air surveillance systems. Besides intelligence, we need the physical capability to neutralize threats before they strike.”

Military Equipment and Its Impact

During the military conflict with Pakistan, India utilized several Israeli-origin defense systems, including HARPY loitering munitions, SkyStriker drones, Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, and Heron reconnaissance UAVs. These systems played crucial roles in precision strikes and air defense missions. The HARPY drones, particularly, were instrumental in intercepting Pakistani missile systems and neutralizing key infrastructure targets across the border.

Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the HARPY is specifically designed for the Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) and is capable of autonomously locating and destroying radar-emitting targets. The Barak-8 missile system, a joint development between Israel and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), also formed a significant part of India’s integrated air defense during the operation.

Netanyahu’s remarks underscore the ongoing collaboration between Israel and India, particularly in defense and trade, as both nations navigate complex international relationships.