The governments of India and Israel have adopted a “vision statement” that seeks to strengthen their defense and security cooperation in the future.
The development comes after Israeli Defense Minister Benjamin Gantz visited Delhi last week for a meeting with Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh.
The two ministers adopted the India-Israel Vision on Defence Cooperation, which intends to “further strengthen” the Indo-Israeli defense cooperation architecture, according to The Indian Express.
The initiative includes cooperation in defense technologies.
“Warm and productive meeting with the Defence Minister of Israel, Mr. Benjamin Gantz in New Delhi,” Singh said in a Twitter post. “Discussed key issues pertaining to defence cooperation and global & regional scenarios during the bilateral meeting.”
He stated that there is a “broad consensus” for the improvement of bilateral strategic and defense ties.
The agreement is said to be in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” vision.
Warm and productive meeting with the Defence Minister of Israel, Mr. Benjamin Gantz in New Delhi.
Discussed key issues pertaining to defence cooperation and global & regional scenarios during the bilateral meeting. We place great value on our Strategic Partnership with Israel. pic.twitter.com/83b92V97MT
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 2, 2022
Commonalities
Gantz stated that both India and Israel share common challenges, which include border security and the fight against terrorism.
He said that the newly-adopted vision statement would allow the two nations to work together to increase their capabilities and better protect their national interests.
“We have a great opportunity to deepen defence cooperation between our countries and to build on our shared values in order to contribute to global stability,” Gantz was quoted as saying.
Additionally, the Israeli minister asserted that India is an “industrial superpower,” while Jerusalem has strived to become a “technological superpower” in the Middle East.
“Cooperation between our countries will expand the capabilities of both countries to contend with developing challenges,” Gantz added.
