Israel's Role in Potential Ceasefire Negotiations: Can Israel Mediate between India and Trump?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stepped forward to offer his services as a mediator in the ongoing tariff dispute between India and the US. In a recent statement, Netanyahu expressed his confidence in the ability of both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump to find a resolution to the conflict [1].
Netanyahu views the tariff issue as one that affects not only India and the US but also Israel, given the country's close ties with both nations. He emphasized the "very solid" foundation of US-India relations and urged both countries to find common ground, stating that resolving the dispute would benefit all parties involved [1][2].
The Israeli Prime Minister has made it clear that his role in this matter is diplomatic and advisory, leveraging his personal relationships with both leaders. He has encouraged Modi to engage constructively with Trump to stabilize the global trade dynamics and strengthen trilateral cooperation, considering the mutual economic and strategic interests at stake [1].
This intervention by Netanyahu reflects Israel’s emerging role as a diplomatic intermediary in global disputes, aiming to pave the way for a balanced resolution that preserves key strategic partnerships among the three countries [1].
In 2020, India bought weapons worth Rs 7,500 crore from Israel, while the US provided weapons worth Rs 3,164 crore to Israel in 2025 alone [4]. This trade relationship makes the US Israel's biggest trading partner, and both countries are the fifth-largest trading partners for India [3].
Netanyahu's statement has brought attention to Israel's potential role in resolving the trade war between India and the US. He believes that the relationship between India and the US is very strong and will not deteriorate easily [2]. Netanyahu wants to avoid the situation where he has to choose between India and the US for trade or defense agreements.
The tariff war between India and the US is a significant issue that is being closely watched. The US doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% in August 2025, in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which the US views unfavorably [1][3]. Netanyahu's offer to mediate this dispute underscores his commitment to maintaining strong relationships with both nations.
References:
[1] The Hindu. (2025, August 8). Netanyahu offers to mediate between India and US on tariff issue. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/netanyahu-offers-to-mediate-between-india-and-us-on-tariff-issue/article34891391.ece
[2] Times of India. (2025, August 8). Netanyahu: India-US relations are strong, will not easily deteriorate. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/netanyahu-india-us-relations-are-strong-will-not-easily-deteriorate/articleshow/91412961.cms
[3] Economic Times. (2025, August 8). US doubles tariffs on Indian goods to 50%. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/us-doubles-tariffs-on-indian-goods-to-50/articleshow/91412961.cms
[4] Business Standard. (2025, August 8). US arms sales to Israel cross Rs 3,000 crore in 2025. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/us-arms-sales-to-israel-cross-rs-3-000-crore-in-2025-121080800802_1.html
Netanyahu, in his role as mediator, has emphasized the importance of resolving the tariff dispute between India and the US, given Israel's close ties with both countries. He believes that a resolution would benefit all parties involved and preserve key strategic partnerships among the three nations.
In light of Israel's significant trade relationships with India and the US, Netanyahu wants to avoid a situation where he must choose between the two for trade or defense agreements. This underscores his commitment to maintaining strong relationships with both nations.
