Team Blitz India
INDIA has issued a fervent appeal to Israel to ensure the safety and security of Indian citizens en route the conflict-stricken nation under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement, as confirmed on April 4.
“India is distressed at the recent attack on Iranian diplomatic premises in Damascus, an incident both Syria and Iran have attributed to Tel Aviv,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.
“These workers have journeyed to Israel as part of a pre-existing mobility agreement. We are acutely aware of their safety and have urged Israeli authorities to prioritise their well-being” remarked Jaiswal during a weekly press briefing.
The backdrop to this plea lies in a comprehensive agreement signed between India and Israel to transport approximately 42,000 workers from India to various destinations within Israel. The initiative aligns with Israel’s efforts to reinforce its workforce by admitting non-Arab workers from nations including Sri Lanka, India, Philippines, Nepal, Thailand, and others. Tragically, victims of a terror attack on October 7 last year included workers from Thailand, Philippines, and Nepal.
In November 2023, Israel had indicated its intention to recruit at least 100,000 Indian workers to fill vacancies left by the Palestinian workers, who previously contributed significantly to various sectors of the Israeli economy. Haim Feiglin, Vice President of the Israel Builders Association, confirmed negotiations with India, awaiting the Israeli Gvernment’s approval.
