India’s big revelation amid war with Iran: Jaishankar said Israel always held our hand in difficult times

News India Live, Digital Desk: Amidst the fierce conflict in West Asia and the ongoing tension between Iran and Israel, India has started opening the cards of its foreign policy in a very discreet manner. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has given a big statement, completely rejecting the allegations of ‘silence’ being leveled against the government by the opposition. He clarified that Israel is not just a technical partner of India, but is a country which has selflessly helped India during many wars. Opposition’s attack on ‘silence’ and Jaishankar’s reply from ‘history’. In an all-party meeting held on Wednesday, when the opposition parties raised questions on India’s alleged silence on the Iran issue and its inclination towards America-Israel, the External Affairs Minister replied bluntly. He reminded that whenever India has faced a military crisis, Israel has emerged as a reliable defense partner. Jaishankar was specifically referring to past conflicts with Pakistan, where Israel had provided modern military technology and weapons to India in a very short time. Friendship with Iran and loyalty to Israel: India’s ‘balancing act’ During the meeting, when NCP leader Supriya Sule asked a question on the benefits of relations with the US and Israel, Jaishankar cited the example of India’s ‘strategic autonomy’. He said that on one hand Israel is our reliable defense and technical ally, on the other hand we also have friendly relations with Iran. Referring to the recent incident, he said that despite the tension of war, Iran has decided to give safe passage to Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which is the result of India’s strong diplomacy. Silence on Kaminey’s death? Foreign Minister presented the facts: The opposition had cornered the government that India did not immediately express condolences on the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. On this, Jaishankar clarified that there was no delay from India’s side. He told that on the same day the Condolence Book was opened, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri went there and signed it. He stressed that India is not blindly loyal to any party, but is keeping the national interests of the country and the security of more than 80 lakh Indians living there paramount. Energy security and the concerns of the Indian diaspora are on top. The External Affairs Minister assured the MPs that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself is keeping an eye on this entire development. Amidst the ongoing crisis in the Gulf countries, India’s biggest challenge is to protect its energy security and the Indians working there. Jaishankar said that friendly countries like United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have given full assurance of the safety of the Indian community. The government’s stand is clear – India is in favor of peace and dialogue, but the contribution of its old and helpful friends also cannot be forgotten.