After Bondi Hanukkah attack, Sa’ar and Indian FM condemn terrorism as ‘mutual threat’

Following the terror attack targeting a Hanukkah event in Sydney this week, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar denounce terrorism as a “mutual threat” to both countries during a meeting in Jerusalem.

Indian police have said that one of the terrorists was originally from Hyderabad.

“Terror is a mutual threat for both countries, and we are standing always with the people of India,” Sa’ar says during joint remarks ahead of a meeting between the ministers.

Jaishankar responds that India condemns the Bondi Beach attack, in which 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration event, “in the strongest possible terms.”

“We are both countries who have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism,” Jaishankar continues, telling his counterpart, “We appreciate your consistent support to our fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”

Sa’ar adds that the two countries will adopt “a very comprehensive and ambitious working plan” for bilateral relations in 2026. “India is the biggest democracy. India is also the fastest-growing economy in the world. I believe that the future is India, and it is natural that we want to have a share in the future,” he says.

Jaishankar also reiterates India’s support for Washington’s Gaza peace plan and thanks his counterpart for arranging a meeting between him and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today, adding that he will convey “the good wishes” of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently visiting neighboring Jordan.