Owaisi Questions India-Israel Investment Treaty

Quick Summary

• Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi criticized India’s bilateral investment treaty with Israel, accusing the nation of overseeing human rights violations in Gaza.
• Mr. Owaisi condemned the presence of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, stating that he supports policies aimed at starving Gazans and referring to pending arrest warrants against him at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
• The Students Islamic Organisation also denounced India’s engagement with Mr. Smotrich, labeling him a representative of an apartheid regime responsible for significant violence against Palestinians.
• The BJP government was accused of aligning with Israel despite international sanctions and widespread criticism over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Indian Opinion analysis

India’s decision to sign a bilateral investment treaty with Israel signals ongoing economic cooperation between both nations amidst complex geopolitical circumstances. Criticism from Indian political and social organizations highlights concerns about India’s association with figures like Mr. smotrich, whose controversial statements and policies are flagged by human rights groups globally. While fostering international partnerships is vital for economic growth, the optics of deepening ties during heightened scrutiny on Israeli actions could challenge India’s traditional stance on balancing diplomatic relations in sensitive regions such as West Asia.

Read more: September 09, 2025