Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly criticised the Union government for extending a warm welcome to Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who is currently on a three-day official visit to India from September 8 to 10. In a sharp post on social media platform X, Vijayan described Smotrich as a far-right extremist and one of the chief architects of Israel’s “brutal occupation and expansionist agenda.” The Chief Minister argued that India’s decision to strengthen ties with such a figure sends the wrong message at a time when the world is witnessing what he called an unfolding genocide in Gaza.

Vijayan further emphasised that signing agreements with representatives of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government not only undermines India’s long-standing solidarity with Palestine but also risks damaging the country’s moral standing in global diplomacy. He noted that the move is particularly troubling as it comes when voices across the world are demanding justice and a sustainable resolution to the decades-long conflict. According to him, aligning with Israel’s policies while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens is “nothing short of betrayal” of India’s historic foreign policy commitments.

During his visit, Smotrich met with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and signed a bilateral investment agreement aimed at boosting and safeguarding investments between the two nations. While the Centre has projected this step as a major milestone for India-Israel relations, the criticism from Kerala’s leadership underscores the deep political divide within India on how to approach Israel at this sensitive time. Vijayan concluded by urging the central government to prioritise justice, peace, and solidarity with oppressed peoples rather than pursuing military, security, and economic ties that risk further entrenching conflict in the Middle East.