Netanyahu Backs India Amid Tariff Dispute With US: ‘Stands Out In Asia…’

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced strong support for India as New Delhi faces mounting trade tensions with the United States. Speaking on Thursday, Netanyahu said there is a “basic understanding in Washington DC that India is a solid partner,” underlining the country&rsquo;s growing global influence.</p>
<h2>Israel&rsquo;s View: India &ldquo;Stands Out In Asia&rdquo;</h2>
<p>Praising India&rsquo;s role on the world stage, Netanyahu described it as a nation that “stands out in Asia” and enjoys a unique position in global diplomacy. He called the US-India relationship one between “two terrific friends with so much common ground,” expressing confidence that ongoing disputes could be resolved.</p>
<p>His remarks came shortly after unveiling a plan to intensify Israeli military operations in Gaza, aimed at eliminating Hamas.</p>
<h2>US Tariffs Spark Diplomatic Unease</h2>
<p>The trade friction intensified this week after US President Donald Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports, citing New Delhi&rsquo;s continued imports of Russian crude oil. This follows a similar 25% tariff hike imposed on July 20.</p>
<p>Calling the move “unilateral,” Dammu Ravi, Secretary of Economic Relations at India&rsquo;s Ministry of External Affairs, criticised Washington&rsquo;s decision. “I don&rsquo;t think there is any logic or reason in the way it is done,” he said.</p>
<h2>”India Will Not Compromise”, PM Modi</h2>
<p>In a firm response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to defend the interests of farmers, fishermen, and livestock rearers.</p>
<p>”India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fishermen brothers and sisters,” He declared. “I know personally that I will have to pay a heavy price for this, but I am prepared for it. India stands firmly with its farmers, and I am ready to face whatever it takes for their welfare.”</p>
<h2>Strategic Defence Ties Run Deep</h2>
<p>Netanyahu also highlighted India&rsquo;s use of Israeli defence technology during <a title=”Operation Sindoor” href=”https://news.abplive.com/topic/operation-sindoor” data-type=”interlinkingkeywords”>Operation Sindoor</a>, including the Barak-8 missile, developed jointly with India&rsquo;s Defence Research and Development Organisation, and HARPY drones.</p>
<p>”The things we provided before worked very well on the field… we develop our weapons in the field and they are battle-tested,” the Israeli leader said.</p>
<p>Over the past decade, Israel has emerged as India&rsquo;s fourth-largest arms supplier, following Russia ($21.8 billion), France ($5.2 billion), and the United States ($4.5 billion).</p>