Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Criticizes Centre for Hosting Israeli Finance Minister
Kochi: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly criticized the Union Government’s decision to host Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Chief Minister described Smotrich as a “far-right extremist and a chief architect of Israel’s brutal occupation and expansionist agenda.”
Vijayan stated that entering into agreements with representatives of the Netanyahu government at a time when a “genocide is unfolding in Gaza is tantamount to betraying India’s historical solidarity with Palestine.” He further tweeted that it is regrettable to maintain military, security, and economic ties with Israel, which continues its occupation of Palestine. The CPM Polit Bureau also condemned Smotrich’s visit to India.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s tweet:
Strongly condemn the Union Government’s decision to host Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right extremist and a chief architect of Israel’s brutal occupation and expansionist agenda. At a time when a genocide is unfolding in Gaza, entering into agreements with… — Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) September 9, 2025
AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi also joined the chorus of condemnation against the Centre’s actions. Owaisi remarked that it is unfortunate that the Modi government signed a trade agreement with Israel while the latter is reportedly committing ethnic cleansing in Gaza.
Bezalel Smotrich arrived in India on September 8 for a three-day visit. During his visit, he met with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and signed agreements aimed at improving trade relations between the two countries.