President Rivlin Reaffirms Strong Bonds with India During State Visit

Israel’s ties with India, among many other countries, are growing exponentially as they develop an alliance in areas such as technology, agriculture, military and education.

President Reuven Rivlin reaffirmed the strong ties shared between Israel and India in meetings with India’s leaders during his eight-day state visit to the country.

“I have no doubt that my visit here will help the ties and the cooperation between our two peoples grow stronger in security and our ability to keep our people safe, in agriculture, in water, in technology, in culture and in education,” Rivlin said on Tuesday in a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

In his remarks, Modi noted the threats of terrorism both countries face, and the need for more international cooperation to combat these forces.

“President Rivlin and I deeply value our strong and growing partnership to secure our societies,” Modi said. “Our people are constantly threatened by forces of terrorism and extremism. The international community must act with resolve and determination against terror networks and the countries that harbor them. We agreed to intensify our cooperation to combat the forces of extremism and radicalization that threaten all peace-loving nations.”

India reportedly is seeking Israel’s assistance in contending with the threat of terrorism emanating from across its border with Pakistan.

Earlier Tuesday, Rivlin met with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee at the presidential residence in New Delhi. Rivlin is in India as Mukherjee’s guest.

“Israel and India have a firm alliance of two peoples with impressive pasts,” Rivlin told Mukherjee. “I am hopeful that my visit will serve to deepen the ties between us and your wonderful people with whom we have so much in common.”

Last year, Mukherjee became the first Indian president to visit Israel.

Rivlin also visited the tomb of the late Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi where he laid a wreath and scattered customary petals on the tomb.

On Wednesday, Rivlin and his wife visited the Taj Mahal, which was shut down exclusively for the visit.

He is slated to meet with business and industry leaders, as well as heads of the academy, to deepen the collaboration between the two countries in these spheres.

By: JNS.org and United with Israel Staff