Ultimate goal is to boost regional connectivity

ISRAEL PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu has lauded the US-backed plan to build a rail and shipping corridor linking India with the Middle East, Israel and Europe as the “great cooperation agreement” in Israel’s history.

- NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA

Foreign minister Eli Cohen says the US-brokered Abraham Accords—signed in 2020—has brought Israel closer to the Gulf nations.

In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, Cohen says the accords have also created exciting opportunities for regional and multinational cooperation. At the heart of this expanding cooperation (between India and Israel) is the Indian footprint in Haifa. Cohen speaks about an Israeli strategic asset like the port being in the hands of an Indian company, and also about Netanyahu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanting to strengthen the strategic alliance and sign a free trade agreement. Excerpts:

Q / How do you see the Indian investment in Haifa Port and its role in Israel’s integration with the Middle East?

A / Haifa Port is a strategic asset for Israel, and the fact that it is now put in the hands of an Indian company shows the level of trust and friendship our business ecosystems have in each other. The ultimate goal is to boost regional connectivity and increase trade opportunities in the region. We hope to see more such partnerships and collaborations take place between our business communities in future.

Q / What is the future of the normalisation of ties between Israel and Arab states?