Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 25: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again deferred his much-anticipated visit to India, which was scheduled for later this year, following heightened security concerns in the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in New Delhi two weeks ago. The attack the worst the capital has witnessed in over a decade claimed at least 15 lives and left dozens injured, prompting a reevaluation of travel plans, according to an Israeli media report.

As per i24NEWS, Netanyahu, who last visited India in 2018 and was slated to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the upcoming trip, is now expected to seek fresh dates sometime next year, contingent on updated security assessments. Earlier reports had suggested that the visit would take place before the end of this year.

This marks the third cancellation of an India visit by Netanyahu this year. The Israeli leader had previously called off a short visit on September 9, citing scheduling constraints caused by the unprecedented repeat polls in Israel on September 17. Another planned trip was scrapped ahead of the April elections.

In Israel, Netanyahu’s proposed India visit was perceived as part of a broader effort to showcase his global rapport and strengthen his international image. In July, his political party displayed campaign banners featuring Netanyahu alongside PM Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin a move aimed at projecting him as a leader operating in a “different league”.

Netanyahu and Modi share a well-documented personal chemistry, frequently highlighted in both Indian and Israeli media. Modi’s landmark trip to Tel Aviv in 2017 the first-ever by an Indian prime minister and Netanyahu’s return visit in January 2018 underscored a new chapter in India–Israel bilateral ties.