Expect India to play role in bringing stability in West Asia, says Israeli envoy
New Delhi (PTI): Israel is "strong and resilient" and, if needed, it will "confront Iran" after the recent attack, the Israeli envoy here asserted on Monday and said India should play a role in bringing stability in the West Asia region.
In an interview to PTI at the Israeli Embassy here, the country's ambassador to India Naor Gilon said that Israeli defence forces with the support of the US and "other friends in the region" were able to "intercept 99 per cent" of the UAVs and missiles fired by Iranians.
However, there was "minor damage" suffered at Nevatim air base in the attack late Saturday, he said.
With Iran's attack on Israel triggering the spectre of a wider conflict in West Asia, India on Sunday said it is seriously concerned over the escalating hostilities between the two sides and called for an immediate halt to violence and return to the path of diplomacy.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held separate telephonic conversations with his Iranian and Israeli counterparts and underlined the importance of avoiding escalation and exercising restraint.
Iran carried out the attack on Israel in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus on April 1 that killed seven Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards including a senior general.
Ambassador Gilon, in the interview, said India as a "very respected player in the international arena should put its influence and weight" in bringing things back to normal.
He was asked what role he expected from India in the present situation, given the telephonic conversations of Jaishankar with his counterparts in Israel and Iran.
"I think that we expect from India, as a friend, to be very strong in international community in making sure that Iran stops its destabilisation of West Asia.
"I think West Asia as a region is also very important for India because there are millions of Indians working in that region. Many business connections, strong ones with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar. And, I think, this is very important that India will be active as a part of the international community, in stopping Iran," he said.
Gilon said the Iranians had shot about "350 different UAVs to cruise missiles to surface to surface missiles, all in all about 60 tonnes of explosives", trying to overcome the Israeli defence system by shooting simultaneously.
"Thanks to the US and other friends in the region, and the huge capacity of our air defence and air force, we were able to intercept 99 per cent of these missiles and UAVs and luckily, no casualty. There was one young, seven-year-old girl, a Bedouin Muslim girl from the south of Israel, who was severely wounded, I hope she comes out of it," the Israeli envoy said.
Gilon alleged that the attack was a "clear continuation of the behaviour of Iran" for a very long time, bringing instability in West Asia.
Two days ago, they "changed mould and attacked Israel directly from the territory of Iran" and other territories and also proxies, he said.
"Iran cannot continue this behaviour, if we need we will confront Iran. It is not a choice of ours. We are merely the receiving side here, and we will probably find the right time and moment to retaliate or send back a message to Iran that this is unacceptable.
"We should send the retaliating message that this is unacceptable," the envoy said.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a post on X on Sunday night had said that the close cooperation between the US military and the IDF has led to the "formation of a strong coalition that proved itself last night in the face of Iran's aerial attack".
Asked what steps are being taken to foster a sense of security among citizens in Israel, Gilon said, "They got a boost of security feeling, from the huge success of the interception of Iranian attack".
Israel does not see "any difference" between an Israeli or a Thai or an Indian resident, "for us, all are the same", he said adding, "We are trying to protect all of them in the same way. There is no difference in Israeli and foreign citizens (in Israel), we treat them the same way".
At present, around 18,500 Indians are residing in Israel, according to official estimates.
The envoy also said, "If Iran goes forward with its nuclear programme, if it will be nuclear ... it will be devastating for the world, not only for Israel".
"So, one has to look at it from this viewpoint too. I think the international community should unite to put pressure on Iran," he added.
On the Iranian military seizing a cargo ship with Israeli links near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, he alleged that it was an act of "piracy" by Iran in stopping the ship in international waters.
In his phone conversation with Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Jaishankar had also called for the release of 17 Indians onboard the Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel MSC Aries.
Asked if technology will decide the direction of conflicts in future, Gilon said, "We should say it's Israeli-developed technology, our very good pilots" who went out to counter the cruise missiles, adding, "Technology in future combats is going to be a big factor, a major factor".
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Kerala government to create microsite on ‘Islam in Kerala’ to boost tourism
Thiruvananthapuram: In a bid to showcase Kerala’s rich Islamic heritage and attract a diverse range of tourists, the Kerala government will create a microsite on ‘Islam in Kerala’. The initiative, supported by Kerala Tourism, will feature a comprehensive digital presentation tracing the historical and cultural roots of Islam in the state. Kerala Tourism has sanctioned a sum of Rs 93.8 lakh for the development of the microsite, which aims to highlight the socio-cultural evolution of Islam in Kerala over centuries.
Islam has a deep-rooted history in Kerala, dating back to the 7th century. The microsite will serve as a digital platform to explore the role of Islam in shaping Kerala’s history, architecture, lifestyle, arts, and cultural practices.
The microsite will be divided into six chapters, each highlighting a distinct aspect of Islamic heritage in Kerala, aimed at both domestic and international travellers. According to an RTI filed recently, the content for the microsite is currently under development, with active research being carried out. Field shoots are being conducted at various historic mosques across the state to visually document it.
The first chapter, ‘History of Islam in Kerala’ will focus on the early introduction of Islam in the region, particularly through traders and their first settlement along the Malabar coast, as reported by The Hindu.
Chapter two will be on the Islamic pilgrim centres in Kerala such as Beemapally in Thiruvananthapuram and Juma Masjid in Kasaragod. A host of ancient mosques which are pilgrim centres, including the Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kodungallur, Jama-at Mosque in Malappuram, Mishkal Mosque in Kozhikode, Odathil Palli in Thalassery, Palayam Mosque in Thiruvananthapuram, Ponnani Juma Masjid, Pazhayangadi Mosque in Kondotty and Vavar Mosque in Erumely, will be featured, the publication added.
A third chapter will delve into the rich culinary skills of Muslims — Mappila cuisine, the distinct culinary tradition that blends traditional Kerala, Persian, Yemeni, and Arab influences. This segment will highlight the vibrant costumes of the community, including weddings, pre-wedding, and post-wedding ceremonies, which are expected to be an attraction for tourists.
Another chapter will focus on architecture, particularly the fusion of Arabic and indigenous construction techniques seen in the state.
The final chapter will cover art forms and festivals celebrated by Muslims in Kerala, including the influence of Mappila songs, a form of folklore that emerged in the 16th century.
“There is a need to bring together all the information on Islam, which played an important role in shaping Kerala, under one roof, as part of tourism promotion. This will help tourists and play a major role in bringing religious scholars, historians, students, and pilgrims to Kerala,” a senior officer with Kerala Tourism told the news outlet.
The launch date of the ‘Islam in Kerala’ microsite has not been decided yet. Earlier, Kerala Tourism had created similar microsites on Christianity, Judaism, and temples in Kerala.
