With an objective to boost their growing proximity, both India and Israel have decided to further "broad-base" their already close defence partnership and intensify cooperation in combating radicalisation and extremism. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, who is on his maiden trip to India, has pushed talks to deepen cooperation in several areas, including trade and investment, agriculture, water resources, and cyber crime.
Following extensive talks with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both leaders released a statement saying people of the two countries were constantly threatened by forces of terrorism and extremism and both sides agreed to intensify cooperation in combating them effectively. "We recognise that terrorism is a global challenge, knows no boundaries and has extensive links with other forms of organised crime," Modi said. "We agreed that the international community must act with resolve and determination against terror networks and States that harbour them. Failure to act and silence of speech only encourages the terrorists." He also made a dig at Pakistan, saying, "Regrettably, one of the countries of its origin and spread is in India's neighbourhood."
Modi stated that Rivlin's visit gives a "crucial push" to efforts to build new pillars in bilateral ties, adding that they noted the strength of the growing defence partnership and agreed on the need to make it "more broad-based" through production and manufacturing partnerships. Both India and Israel signed two pacts to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and water resources management sectors. "we stand together in defending our people and our values," Rivlin said.
Rivlin is expected to visit Chandigarh and Karnal on his 6-day visit as part of his plan to highlight agri-cooperation. He will inaugurate 'Agro Tech 2016' along with President Pranab Mukherjee and will visit the Centre of Excellence of Indo-Israeli Agricultural Project in Karnal.
