In a decisive move, India and Israel reaffirmed a global “zero tolerance” approach to terrorism during talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in New Delhi. The meeting underscores the shared security challenges faced by both nations—and, more importantly, offers a blueprint for how the international community must respond to the scourge of terrorism. Jaishankar’s message was unambiguous: “It is essential that we work towards ensuring a global approach of zero tolerance towards terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations.” This reflects an urgent recognition that terrorism is not a regional issue—it is a global threat that undermines peace, development and stability. Why does this matter? Terrorism has evolved. The established model of lone actors or isolated groups has given way to more complex networks, hybrid threats and proxy actors. Whether in South Asia, the Middle East or elsewhere, terrorists exploit local grievances to achieve global objectives. India and Israel, each confronting persistent terror challenges, bring first hand experience to the table. Their partnership signals not just shared analysis but coordinated resolve. For India, it is more than voice: recent remarks at the G20 and in multilateral fora have reiterated the same position. “The world must display neither tolerance nor accommodation to terrorist activities… Those who act against them on any front render a larger service to the international community as a whole.” From Kashmir to Ukraine to Gaza, the ripple effects of violent conflict affect energy, food, supply chains and the Global South. In this context, zero tolerance is not a slogan—but a strategic necessity. Israel, grappling with Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthi linked threats, echoed the message during Sa’ar’s visit. In his remarks, he challenged “radical terror states” and insisted on their dismantling for regional stability.The commonality is evident: the most effective response to terrorism must be global, unified, multi faceted and sustained. What does zero tolerance really mean? It implies no safe havens, no impunity, no selective action or moral double standards. It means intelligence sharing, legal cooperation, curbing proxy funding, and strengthening the links between development and security. Nations must act collectively and proactively, not just reactively. Moreover, emerging facets of terrorism—cyber enabled networks, radicalised diaspora, strategic communication campaigns—require innovation. India Israel cooperation in sectors like AI, connectivity, semiconductors and training reflects the relevance of this approach. Beyond rhetoric, we must deliver institutions capable of countering tomorrow’s terror threats without compromising rights, oversight and human dignity. Finally, the message is directed globally: no country or region is immune. Terrorism may shift, adapt or hide—but the commitment to eliminate it must be visible, consistent and universal. The India–Israel meeting is significant not just for what it says about bilateral ties—but for what it says about the kind of world that must unite to defeat terror. In a fractured and uncertain world, the call for zero tolerance must not be another diplomatic phrase. It must become the operational principle of our times.