Talking about the recent new diplomatic relations between India and Israel and stating the threat of radical Islamism both the countries currently facing, Professor Efraim Inbar, Founding Director of the Begin Sadat Centre for Strategic Studies, said this relation bilateral relations between the two countries were important for India to develop.
“We see less prominence of the United States and more of the international action is moving to the Asia-Pacific region. India is a rising power with a clear strategic agenda and we face the same threat of radical Islamism. Therefore, we are partners in this strategic journey,” Professor Inbar said.
Speaking on the Indo-Israel defence ties, Professor Inbar said, “India is an important customer and Israel is interested in selling weapons and technology transfer in defence areas. There are other areas of cooperation as well.”
Talking about the projects under ‘Make in India’ he said, “India and Israel have joined hands in producing weapons and sharing technology by following the policy of Prime Minister Modi and we are succeeding in this respect.”
Speaking of threat of terrorism both the countries are facing due to neighbouring countries he said, “Both India and Israel live in tough neighbourhoods with bad people around us and we can share experiences and increase cooperation in counter-terrorism and nuclear exchange.”
Talking about the recent friendlier ties between the two counterparts he termed the relations as good saying “Good relationship between leaders is essential for building mutual trust and strong relationship.”
Further calling attention to fact that India is still a developing nation and that both the countries should look forward to improve their cooperation in national security as well.
In his 48-hour visit, the Prime Minister Modi, is attending 18 programmes in Israel which includes bilateral meetings, mega Community Programme, meeting top Israeli CEOs, NRIs, students.
President Reuven Rivlin in PM’s welcome protocol to receive Prime Minister Modi, both spoke about issues pertaining to India- Israel friendship and other global issues as well.
President Rivlin recalling his visit to India said,” I am glad to say it is only eight months since I visited India ,I will never forget I found real strong nation with strong ideas and India is one of the greatest democracies in the world in this time” reported sources.