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India with global community in UN denounces US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

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8 years ago

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United_Nations_General_Assembly_Hall

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]India put aside concerns about its growing closeness to US and Israel to stand with global community in voting against Trump administration’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

There were threats from the US delegation to the United Nations (UN) and from US President Donald Trump himself earlier in the week that he was considering cutting off funding to any country that voted against the US.

Despite the attempt at coercion, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) passed the draft resolution declaring the Jerusalem decision to be ‘null and void’ by an overwhelming margin: 128 states in favour and nine against, with 35 abstentions, while 21 others stayed away – they were absent.

While India refrained from speaking in the UNGA ahead of the vote, it had said that its Palestine position was independent and consistent after Trump recognised the holy city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

In her intervention at the non-aligned movement’s ministerial meeting on Palestine on the sidelines of the UNGA in September, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had said the path to Israel-Jerusalem peace clearly lay in an early negotiated solution between Israel and Palestine based on mutual recognition and security arrangements.

Jerusalem holds Muslim, Jewish and Christian holy sites. Its status is one of the thorniest obstacles to a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians, who were furious over Trump’s move. The international community does not recognise Israeli sovereignty over the full city.

Earlier this month, Trump reversed decades of US policy by announcing the United States recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and would move its embassy there.

The vote in UNGA was called at the request of Arab and Muslim countries after the US on Monday vetoed a resolution put to the 15-member Security Council rejecting Washington’s decision to recognize Jerusalem and relocate its embassy there. The remaining 14 Security Council members voted in favour of the Egyptian-drafted resolution, which did not specifically mention the United States or Trump but which expressed “deep regret at recent decisions concerning the status of Jerusalem.”

The resolution adopted by UNGA has language similar to the measure US vetoed in the Security Council. It “affirms that any decisions and actions which purport to have altered the character, status or demographic composition of the holy city of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void and must be rescinded.”

A UNGA resolution cannot be vetoed and is adopted by a majority of votes. A day before the issue came up for vote, Trump suggested that countries voting against the US in the voting could face repercussions. “They take hundreds of millions of dollars and even billions of dollars, and then they vote against us. Well, we’re watching those votes,” Trump had said on Wednesday, Dec 20.

Anticipating the outcome of the UNGA vote, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the United Nations as a ‘house of lies’ ahead of the vote. “The State of Israel totally rejects this vote, even before (the resolution’s) approval,” Netanyahu said in a speech in the port city of Ashdod.

Ahead of the vote at UNGA, the United States said it was ‘singled out for attack’ at the United Nations over Jerusalem. “The United States will remember this day in which it was singled out for attack in the General Assembly for the very act of exercising our right as a sovereign nation,” US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, told the 193-member General Assembly.

Repeating Trump’s warning, she said, “We will remember it when we are called upon to once again make the world’s largest contribution to the United Nations, and so many countries come calling on us, as they so often do, to pay even more and to use our influence for their benefit.”

Aerial-Jerusalem-Temple_Mount

As the largest donor to the international body, the US had ‘a legitimate expectation’ that its goodwill would be ‘recognised and respected’, she said. “When a nation is singled out for attack in this organisation, that nation is disrespected. What’s more, that nation is asked to pay for the privilege of being disrespected. In the case of the US, we are asked to pay more than anyone else for that dubious privilege,” Haley said. “If our investment fails, we have an obligation to spend our resources in more productive ways.”

The US pressure could not alter the outcome of the vote, though it did seem to have had some impact, seen in the high number of abstentions.

Thirty-five countries abstained from the vote, including five EU states, and other US allies including Australia, Canada, Colombia and Mexico, as also Rwanda and Uganda. Another 21 delegations were absent from the vote. However, according to a report, Ambassadors from several abstaining countries, including Mexico, used their time on the podium to criticise Trump’s unilateral move.

Guatemala, Honduras, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau and Togo voted against the resolution, alongside the US and Israel.

Going against US and Israel, 22 of the 28 EU countries voted for the resolution, including the UK and France. Germany – which in the past has abstained on measures relating to Israel – also voted in favour.

There were major US aid recipients including Afghanistan, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania and South Africa who supported the resolution. Egypt received roughly $1.4 billion in U.S. aid this year, and Jordan about $1.3 billion.

The absent countries included Kenya, which was the fifth-largest recipient of U.S. aid last year, Georgia and Ukraine, all of which have close U.S. ties.

After the vote, US Ambassador to UN Haley tweeted a photo naming the 65 nations that voted no, abstained or were absent, and said- “We appreciate these countries for not falling to the irresponsible ways of the UN.”

She later sent invitations to the 65 ambassadors inviting them to a reception on Jan 3 to thank them for their friendship with the United States, said a report in The Hindu.

It remains to be seen whether Trump carries out his his threat against those who voted for the resolution and against US. The US is scheduled to dispense $25.8 billion in foreign aid for 2018, reported The Hindu.

In an indication that the Trump administration could be backing away from its funding threats, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said cuts to countries that opposed the US are not a foregone conclusion.

Media reports quoting news agency AP said a senior Trump administration official said there was no plan as of Thursday for moving ahead with eliminating aid to countries that rebuked the president.

Analysts said it would be unlikely for US to follow through on Trump’s warning. Al Jazeera quoted Juan Cole, history professor at the University of Michigan, as saying, among other things, that it would also harm US companies since a large amount of US aid comes in the forms of American-made military equipment.

Cole wrote in his blog: “The Egyptian government has more military helicopters than it knows what to do with, and they’re just stacked in warehouses. So the money actually went to US arms manufacturers, and Egypt gets a fairly useless shiny military toy. Trump would be hurting US corporations more than Egypt if he cut it off.”

US interests would also suffer if, without US influence in the form of foreign aid, countries like China and Russia might step in, he added.

John Kirby, CNN National Security Analyst also wrote: “…our aid and assistance packages serve our national interests. …Foreign aid and assistance is not charity. It’s vital to our security and to the security of our allies and partners.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Canada softens stance on alleged Indian interference ahead of PM Carney’s India visit

Canada appears to ease its earlier allegations of Indian interference as PM Mark Carney heads to India to strengthen trade and strategic ties.

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23 mins ago

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February 26, 2026

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Canada appears to be easing its earlier allegations of Indian interference as Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares for a key visit to India aimed at rebuilding commercial and diplomatic ties.

Senior officials in Ottawa indicated that the Canadian government maintains “mature and robust discussions” with the Government of India on concerns related to foreign interference. They also emphasised that Canada has strong safeguards in place to protect its democratic institutions.

According to officials quoted by media, the Prime Minister would likely not be travelling to India if Ottawa believed New Delhi was actively interfering in Canada’s democratic processes. The remarks suggest a noticeable shift from the strong accusations levelled last year.

Officials said there has been sustained engagement with the government of Narendra Modi at multiple levels, including senior officials, ministers and leadership-level interactions. They expressed confidence that the discussions provide a foundation for further constructive dialogue.

At the same time, a senior official reiterated that Canada maintains “no tolerance” for foreign interference in its domestic affairs.

From allegations to engagement

The recent comments contrast with statements made last June by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), which accused India of being among the primary actors involved in foreign interference and espionage activities in Canada.

CSIS had also described alleged links between Indian authorities and the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver as a “significant escalation” in India’s actions against the Khalistan movement.

India firmly rejected those accusations. The dispute triggered a diplomatic standoff, with both countries expelling senior diplomats from Ottawa and New Delhi in a tit-for-tat move.

Carney’s push to rebuild ties

Prime Minister Carney’s visit to India is being positioned as part of a broader Indo-Pacific outreach and a more pragmatic foreign policy approach. His trip will begin in Mumbai before he heads to New Delhi for talks with Prime Minister Modi.

The visit comes as both nations seek to stabilise relations that deteriorated sharply following Canada’s allegations over Nijjar’s killing — claims that New Delhi strongly denied.

Carney’s office has said discussions will centre on expanding cooperation in trade, energy, technology, artificial intelligence, talent mobility, culture and defence.

Growing trade partnership

India is currently Canada’s seventh-largest trading partner in goods and services. Annual bilateral trade exceeds $21 billion, according to Canadian government data.

The two sides had previously agreed to resume negotiations on a proposed free-trade agreement, targeting bilateral trade of $50 billion by 2030.

More than 600 Canadian companies operate in India across sectors such as information technology, banking, health sciences and financial services. Key Indian exports to Canada include pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, precious stones and seafood.

Diplomatic ties show signs of recovery

Canada hosts approximately 2.8 million people of Indian origin. Nearly 400,000 Indian students are enrolled in Canadian universities, making them the largest group of international students in the country.

Canada is also home to the largest Sikh population outside India, including some fringe separatist elements advocating for Khalistan.

Relations between the two countries began to improve after Carney assumed office in March 2025, with envoys restored and diplomatic engagement gradually resuming.

The upcoming visit is being viewed as a significant step toward stabilising ties and advancing economic cooperation amid shifting global trade dynamics and uncertainties linked to policies under US President Donald Trump.

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PM Modi reaffirms support for Israel, recalls 26/11 victims in Knesset address

Addressing Israel’s parliament, PM Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s support for Israel, condemned terrorism, and recalled the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Published

31 mins ago

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February 26, 2026

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the Knesset, expressing solidarity with Israel and condemning terrorism, while highlighting the growing partnership between the two nations.

Calling it a rare honour, Mr Modi said he brought greetings from 1.4 billion Indians and described his address as a symbol of the warmth between the two democracies.

Condolences over October 7 attack

The Prime Minister conveyed condolences for the lives lost in the October 7 attack by Hamas. He said India shares Israel’s grief and stands firmly with the country “with full conviction in this moment and beyond”.

“Nothing can justify terrorism,” Mr Modi said, adding that India too has suffered from terror attacks for decades. He recalled the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens, and reiterated India’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism without double standards.

Reference to Abraham Accords and regional hope

Referring to the Abraham Accords, Mr Modi said India had applauded the vision and courage shown at the time. While noting that the regional situation has since become more challenging, he stressed the importance of sustaining hope for peace.

Historic ties and expanding partnership

The Prime Minister said he was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel nine years ago and expressed happiness at returning. He also noted that he shares his birth date — September 17, 1950 — with the day India formally recognised Israel.

Recalling his earlier visit to Israel as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2006 and his 2017 trip as Prime Minister, Mr Modi said bilateral ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership during the latter visit. Since then, he added, engagement has broadened across sectors.

He pointed to cooperation in innovation, mentioning the inauguration of the iCreate Technology Business Incubator in 2018 with then Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The incubator, he said, has since supported nearly 900 start-ups.

Shared civilisational values

Mr Modi said Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution and have preserved their faith while participating fully in society. He described this as a matter of pride.

Highlighting philosophical parallels, he referred to the Israeli concept of “Tikkun Olam”, meaning healing the world, and India’s belief in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which sees the world as one family. Both traditions, he said, call for compassion and moral courage beyond immediate boundaries.

He also acknowledged the contribution of Indian caregivers and skilled workers in Israel, noting their courage and dedication, including during the October 7 crisis.

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India eyes Rs 8,000 crore mid-air refuelling aircraft deal as PM Modi begins Israel visit

India and Israel are in talks for a Rs 8,000 crore deal to convert six Boeing 767 jets into mid-air refuelling aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

Published

15 hours ago

on

February 25, 2026

By

PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his two-day visit to Israel on Wednesday, with a key defence agreement expected to be among the major outcomes of the trip.

According to sources, India and Israel are in advanced negotiations for a deal involving six mid-air refuelling aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The proposed agreement, estimated at around Rs 8,000 crore, would significantly strengthen India’s aerial refuelling capability.

Under the plan, an Israeli government-owned corporation is expected to collaborate with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to convert six pre-owned Boeing 767 passenger aircraft into military tanker jets for the IAF.

IAF’s long-pending tanker requirement

The Indian Air Force currently operates six ageing Russian-origin IL-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft. Efforts to procure additional tanker aircraft have remained unsuccessful for nearly two decades, leaving the force dependent on its limited fleet and, at times, leased aircraft to meet operational requirements.

If finalised, the new agreement would mark a significant upgrade in India’s aerial refuelling capacity, which plays a crucial role in extending the operational range and endurance of fighter jets and other aircraft.

Sources indicated that negotiations are ongoing, and the agreement is likely to be formalised in 2026.

High-level engagements in Israel

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. He will also address the Knesset and interact with members of the Indian diaspora.

In his departure statement, the Prime Minister described India and Israel’s relationship as a robust and multifaceted strategic partnership that has seen remarkable growth. He said he looks forward to discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas such as science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defence and security, trade and investment, and people-to-people ties.

The Prime Minister noted that his address to the Knesset would mark the first time an Indian Prime Minister addresses the Israeli Parliament.

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