Indian Jewish Community in U.S. an Important Part of Indian Diaspora, Says Envoy

The Indian Jewish diaspora in the United States is an important part of the overall Indian diaspora, which is going to be three million strong, Indian envoy to America Navtej Sarna said during Hanukkah celebrations at the Indian Embassy in Washington. He added that Jewishness has been playing an important role in American industry, politics and media.

“It is this people-to-people underpinning which is a very very crucial aspect of India-US relations and India-Israel relations,” Sarna said on Dec. 19, PTI reported. “This year we have a lot to celebrate. We have to celebrate the 25 years of diplomatic relations between Israel and India. We have to celebrate a very successful visit of the prime minister of India to the United States and the first ever visit by the prime minister of India to Israel.”

India is currently in a precarious position over aligning with the United States to support their recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Sarna said that India’s relations with America and Israel are prospering because there is a commonality in the belief of human values and a desire for peace around the world.

“Both (India-US and India-Israel) relationships, which in many ways draw strength from the other are today prospering like they have never done before,” Sarna said.

“They (the two relationships) are prospering because there is a commonality in the belief of human values, in democracy in the rule of law and in the desire for peace around the world.”

U.S. President Donald Trump recently recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, sparking violent protests in various parts of the world. The United States intends to build an embassy in Jerusalem, but has been facing opposition from the United Nations and other countries.

The United Nations is to vote on a resolution criticizing Trump’s policy. Meanwhile, Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said that America will be taking names of the countries that vote in favor of the resolution. The United States earlier this week vetoed a resolution in the Security Council and Israel is also lobbying to stop the resolution.

India, which was put on the spot by global leaders to take a stand on the matter, said that its stance is independent and would be consistent with its Israel-Palestine policy, which recognizes both sides. India sends aid to Palestine and trades with Israel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first Indian PM to visit Israel. He made a state visit in July and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit India next month. The two countries have signed defense deals worth billions of dollars.