Overview

• India’s Finance Ministry confirmed a bilateral investment treaty signed Monday by Nirmala Sitharaman and Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich to promote and protect cross-border investments.
• AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi called the move “despicable,” accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, cited ICC arrest‑warrant applications against Smotrich, and posted a photo of the signing.
• The CPI(M) Politburo condemned Smotrich’s visit as shameful and urged India to rescind military, security and economic cooperation with Israel until an immediate ceasefire.
• Coverage describes Smotrich as a far-right figure facing restrictions or sanctions from countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway for alleged incitement against Palestinian civilians.
• Reports place the agreement against the Gaza war, citing more than 64,000 Palestinian deaths, with no indication that the Indian government plans to reverse the pact.