Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has highlighted India's strong ties with Israel, saying the country enjoys significant support from India while responding to recent remarks by US Vice President JD Vance on Israel's international alliances.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said Israel has "some other friends, like India," adding that he receives a large number of supportive messages from people in India on social media. His remarks came after Vance suggested that the United States was Israel's only powerful remaining ally.

Response To Vance

The comments followed observations made by JD Vance during a recent White House briefing, where he criticised Israeli officials who had publicly opposed US President Donald Trump's interim agreement with Iran.

Vance said that if he were part of Israel's cabinet, he would avoid criticising what he described as the country's "only powerful ally." Netanyahu's response appeared to underline that Israel also maintains strong partnerships with other nations, including India.

India Mentioned

During the interview, Netanyahu described India as an important partner and referred to the country's large population while highlighting the support he receives from Indian citizens online.

He said social media platforms are filled with messages expressing solidarity with Israel, adding that such public support reflects the strong relationship between the two countries.

India and Israel have significantly expanded bilateral ties over the past decade across defence, technology, agriculture, cybersecurity, innovation and trade.

Broader International Support

Netanyahu also claimed that several world leaders privately express support for Israel despite facing domestic political pressures.

According to the Israeli Prime Minister, many foreign leaders have conveyed interest in strengthening cooperation with Israel in areas such as defence technology, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. He suggested that some governments seek closer engagement even when public opinion in their countries presents political challenges.

No specific countries or leaders were identified during the interview.

Strategic Partnership

India and Israel have steadily deepened strategic cooperation through high-level political exchanges and expanding economic engagement.

The partnership covers defence procurement, intelligence sharing, water management, agriculture, digital innovation and emerging technologies. Bilateral relations were elevated further following reciprocal visits by senior leaders and continued collaboration across multiple sectors.

Both countries also cooperate on regional security issues while maintaining regular diplomatic dialogue.

Regional Context

Netanyahu's remarks come amid continuing tensions in West Asia following recent diplomatic developments involving Iran and the United States.

The evolving regional security environment has kept Israel's foreign partnerships under close international scrutiny, with discussions continuing over defence cooperation, regional stability and diplomatic engagement.

Analysts note that Israel continues to maintain strategic relations with several countries while preserving its longstanding alliance with the United States.

Netanyahu's reference to India underscores the importance of India-Israel relations as both countries continue expanding cooperation in defence, technology and economic sectors. His remarks also reflect ongoing international discussions about strategic partnerships in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.