India is grateful to them for honouring New Delhi’s request, he said in his 90-minute address to the nation from Red Fort. India’s ties with the Gulf countries, crucial to meet New Delhi’s energy needs, had improved manifold in recent years, PM Modi said. Israeli foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi spoke to Jaishankar on Saturday to brief him on the accord. Also Read: From Red Fort, PM Modi delivers one message to 2 neighbours, China and PakSince he took over as PM, Narendra Modi has made cementing relations with Gulf countries his topmost priority. An Indian diplomat said the statements by New Delhi and Islamabad on the UAE-Israel accord reflecting their different priorities.

Source: Hindustan Times August 15, 2020 10:35 UTC