India Israel do not compete but complete each other Israeli Foreign Minister
New Delhi, May 9 (PTI) India and Israel are strategic partners that do not compete with each other but complement each other, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said on Tuesday.
The Israeli foreign minister visited New Delhi on Tuesday morning to explore ways to expand bilateral ties and prepare the ground for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to India this year.
Speaking at the India-Israel Trade Forum organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Cohen said India-Israel trade volume will cross $20 billion.
Describing India as the “gateway from East to West,” Cohen said merchandise from India would be sold everywhere.
“It is very important to emphasize that Israel and India are strategic partners. We do not compete with each other. We certainly complement each other,” he said.
The Israeli Foreign Minister said that agreements for more personnel from India in Israel will be signed later on Tuesday.
“We also want to use this opportunity to get students from India to Israel. Our countries have a lot in common. We both have vibrant democracies. We work together with the Jewish people and the Indian people for more than 2,000 people. But now, in the next 2,000 years, we can do a lot more. I hope so,” he said.
Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that the foundation of relations between India and Israel has deep roots and a long history. “As the world undergoes important changes, the strategic importance of the India-Israel relationship has increased,” he said.
“We are committed to tackling the world’s biggest challenges through joint investments and new initiatives in water, energy, transport, space and technology through the India-Israel-UAE-US network,” the minister said.
Shekhawat said that an important area of cooperation between India and Israel is the defense sector. “Both countries have made significant progress (in that). To further enhance our relationship, it is pertinent to mention that today we are signing a joint MoU to establish India-Israel Central Hydro Technology at IIT-Rourke,” he said.
The Jal Shakti Minister called upon the countries to come together and cooperate in the water sector.
“Considering climate change, it is very appropriate for countries to come together and collaborate on the water sector. The role of private sector and business leaders in providing solutions and addressing water security issues is critical,” Shekhawat added.
