New Delhi, May 29 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has singled out India as one of Israel's most reliable sources of public support globally, saying the warmth he receives from Indian audiences surpasses almost anything he encounters elsewhere in the world.

Speaking at a conference in the West Bank on Thursday, Netanyahu described the relationship between the two countries as occupying a special place in Israel's global outreach strategy, at a time when the Israeli government faces sustained criticism across large parts of the world.

"We face delegitimization in much of the world, but not in India," Netanyahu said. "In India, there is an absolutely crazy love for Israel, truly crazy. I think I have more followers from India ...