Marking 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, India and Israel have adopted a “vision statement” that will pave the way for enhanced defense cooperation in the future.
Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his Israeli counterpart Benny Gantz held bilateral talks in New Delhi on Thursday. The two leaders discussed defense cooperation and the prevailing global and regional scenario.
Taking to Twitter, Rajnath Singh wrote, “Warm and productive meeting with Israeli Defense Minister, Mr. Benjamin Gantz in New Delhi. We discussed key issues relating to defense cooperation and global scenarios and regional during the bilateral meeting. We value our strategic partnership with Israel.”
“Glad that the two countries have adopted a ‘vision statement‘ which will pave the way for defense cooperation in the future. There is a broad consensus between the two countries on strengthening bilateral cooperation on defense strategy. and defence,” he added.
Gantz, who arrived in India on Thursday, received a Tri-Service Honor Guard attended by Rajnath Singh and laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
“I am honored to begin my visit to India by paying tribute to fallen troops and learning about this nation’s legacy at the National War Memorial. This is a symbolic tribute as we prepare to mark 30 years flourishing relationships and defense ties between our countries,” Benny Gantz tweeted.
Israeli Minister Gantz arrived in India yesterday. The visit was supposed to take place in March but was cancelled.
Before flying to India, Gantz tweeted: “I am currently leaving for India for a visit which marks 30 years of diplomatic defense relations between Israel and India. During this visit, I will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath. Singh to discuss expanding our cooperation.”
Earlier in March, the Israeli Defense Minister on a call with Rajnath Singh informed him that his proposed visit to India from March 30-31 had been postponed for unavoidable reasons.
According to local Israeli media, the March meeting was to include discussions on improving security relations between India and Israel.
The report adds that Tel Aviv has sought to strengthen its defense ties with New Delhi in recent years, particularly in the areas of air and missile defense.
The year 2022 marks 30 years of diplomatic relations between India and Israel.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid an official visit to Israel from October 17 to 21, 2021. During this visit, Israel signed the instrument of ratification of the International Solar Alliance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on the sidelines of the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow on November 2, 2021.
The annual India-Israel Joint Defense Working Group (JWG) was held in Israel on October 26-27, 2021.
(Only the title and image of this report may have been edited by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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