Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly criticized the Union Government for hosting Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. He called the move a “betrayal of India’s historic solidarity with Palestine.”
Kerala CM’s Statement
Vijayan condemned Smotrich as a far-right extremist and a key figure in Israel’s occupation policies. On X, he said India’s decision to sign an investment deal with Israel while violence continues in Gaza undermines India’s long-standing support for Palestine’s struggle.
He added that maintaining military, security, and economic ties with Israel while ignoring the path to peace for Palestine is deplorable.
India-Israel Investment Agreement
Despite criticism, India and Israel signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) in New Delhi. The pact aims to boost reciprocal investments and strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations.
The agreement was signed by India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Israel’s Response
Smotrich praised India’s economic reforms and described the Indian economy as “fascinating.” He lauded the progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying it reflects India’s growing global strength.