Noting that India and Israel are moving forward to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Azar stated that the ties between the two countries will also be advanced in other sectors like transportation, water, agriculture and academic cooperation.
Screengrab: X/@IsraelinIndia
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel later this week, its Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said on Monday that the two countries will deepen defence partnership by updating security agreements and discuss engaging in more sensitive projects.
In a video shared on X, he said, “Namaste, this is an exciting moment for India-Israel relations. We are looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel. Now when India and Israel come together, it’s never just a meeting. It’s a partnership built on trust, powered by innovation and guided by a clear understanding of the challenges of our time. During this visit, we will move forward decisively.”
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Noting that India and Israel are moving forward to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Azar stated that the ties between the two countries will also be advanced in other sectors like transportation, water, agriculture and academic cooperation.
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‘’First on security and defence, India and Israel have worked closely for years and we are proud of this strong cooperation. But, the world is changing fast and so are the threats. In order to meet them, we will deepen our defence relationship by updating our security agreements. This will allow us to engage in more sensitive projects and develop technological solutions together,’’ the envoy said.
“Second, our economic partnership is gaining real momentum. We signed a bilateral investment treaty and we are moving forward to sign a Free Trade Agreement, hopefully this year,” he added.
Azar stressed that PM Modi’s visit will be crucial in forging partnerships in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum and Cyber. He said that ties between India and Israel, during PM Modi’s visit, will be advanced in other sectors like transportation, water, agriculture and academic cooperation.
“Third, the visit will be crucial in forging partnerships in areas like AI, Quantum and Cyber. Israel would like to see Indian infrastructure companies coming to Israel, we want to streamline our financial cooperation and promote innovation. Other crucial fields like transportation, water, agriculture and academic cooperation are going to be advanced during this visit as well. India and Israel are not just partners. We are true friends shaping the future together,” he said.
His post came a day after, Modi acknowledged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s personal tribute during a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, where the latter described the Indian leader as a “dear friend” and hailed his upcoming visit as a milestone in bilateral ties.’’
In his response to a video posted by Netanyahu on X, PM Modi stated, “Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu. I fully agree with you on the bond between India and Israel as well as the diverse nature of our bilateral relations. India deeply values the enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation and a shared commitment to peace and progress. Looking forward to our discussions during my upcoming Israel visit.”
Netanyahu had shared a video from the cabinet meeting on X. In his remarks to his cabinet, Netanyahu termed PM Modi’s arrival to the country as a historic moment, underscoring the strength of the India-Israel alliance.
Highlighting his personal rapport with PM Modi, Israeli PM Netanyahu noted their frequent exchanges and mutual visits, calling the Indian leader not just a partner but a “personal friend”.
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