Israeli Ambassador Acknowledges India's Support Amid Global Criticism at Israel National Day Celebrations in Delhi

Celebrating Israel's National Day in Delhi, Ambassador Naor Gilon expressed gratitude for India's steadfast support amid global criticism, highlighting the enduring bond between the two nations.

At the recent Israel National Day celebrations held in Delhi, Israeli Ambassador Naor Gilon highlighted the strong support Israel has received from India amid global criticism. The event took place on Tuesday and was attended by Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and members of the Indo-Israeli community.

Ambassador Gilon spoke about the global shift in sentiment towards Israel following its military operation against Hamas and efforts to retrieve kidnapped individuals. He noted that the sympathy Israel garnered after the October 7 incident had turned into widespread criticism, delegitimization, and anti-Semitism. Despite this, India has remained a steadfast ally.

"Following the decision of Israel to go on an operation to dismantle the Hamas and bring back the kidnapped, all the sympathy that Israel had following October 7 was changing to a very ugly wave of hatred, delegitimization, and anti-Semitism around most of the world," Gilon stated.

Gilon expressed profound gratitude towards India for its unwavering support during this challenging time. He emphasized the significant backing from both the Indian government and its people, which he described as remarkable and unforgettable.

"We here in the embassy in Delhi are privileged to serve in India, in a friendly country in such a period, because, as said before, from October 7, both the government and the people of India stood on the side of Israel. And this we will never forget," Gilon affirmed.

Reflecting on the deep bond between India and Israel, Gilon highlighted India’s own struggles against terrorism. He asserted that the solidarity shown by the Indian people towards Israel was a testament to the special relationship shared between the two nations.

"The amount of support we got here is nothing short of amazing. This is, I think, a reflection of India itself being a victim of terror for many years. But more so, I think it's an indication of the very special relations between India and Israel, or more precisely, between the Indian people and the Jewish people," Gilon said.

The event underscored the enduring partnership between India and Israel, rooted in mutual respect and shared experiences. The celebration not only marked Israel’s national day but also served as a reminder of the strong diplomatic and cultural ties between the two countries.

In recent years, India and Israel have collaborated on various fronts, including defense, agriculture, and technology. This partnership has grown stronger with both countries recognizing the importance of supporting each other in times of need.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra's presence at the event further signified the Indian government's commitment to maintaining and enhancing its relationship with Israel. The Indo-Israeli community in India also plays a crucial role in fostering this bond through cultural exchanges and joint initiatives.

Overall, the Israel National Day celebrations in Delhi were a testament to the enduring friendship between India and Israel, highlighting their shared values and mutual support in times of adversity.