Prime minister Narendra Modi is on a historic visit to Israel, the first by an Indian Prime minister. He arrived in Israel to a grand official ceremony and warm embrace by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described him as “my friend”.
The joint statement made by Prime minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu broadly covered the following topics:
Terrorism
- The two Prime Ministers reiterated their commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations
- Commitment was made for cooperation on the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)
West Asia
- Discussed developments pertaining to the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process
- Underlined the need for establishment of just and durable peace in the region
Defence
- An agreement on joint development of defence products, which includes transfer of technology from Israel with a special emphasis on the Make in India initiative
Economic Cooperation
- They noted the importance of realising the full potential of bilateral trade and investment
- The India-Israel CEO Forum was tasked to come up with early recommendations in this regard
Technology, Space, Agricultural, Water
- The India-Israel Industrial R&D and Innovation Fund (I4F) by the Department of Science and Technology, India and the National Authority for Technological Innovation, Israel with a contribution of US$ 20 million from each side
Jewish community
- The contribution of the Jews of Indian origin in Israel and Jewish community in India in bringing the two societies closer was appreciated
- The Indian PM also announced opening of an Indian Cultural Centre in Israel
Other areas
- Cyber: Emphasised the importance of enhanced dialogue between their national cyber authorities
- Higher education: Underlined importance of enhanced collaboration in higher education and research
- Air link and connectivity: Agreement to facilitate promotion of travel and tourism, including through further enhancement of air link
- Health: The Joint committee on Science and Technology was directed to explore the possibility of further advancement of scientific collaboration
