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India, Israel for strengthening economic ties

— Photo: PTI / Manvender V. Love

Courtesy call: Minister of State for Industry and Commerce Ashwani Kumar with Israeli President Shimon Peres in Jerusalem on Monday.

JERUSALEM: India and Israel on Monday said efforts should be made to fully utilise the potential for enhanced economic cooperation between the two countries, especially in the fields of solar energy and agriculture.

During a meeting with Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Ashwani Kumar here, Israeli President Shimon Peres also lauded India as “a unique example of a nation that has achieved high economic growth consistent with its cultural values.”

The two leaders said efforts should be made to fully utilise the potential for enhanced economic cooperation. Solar energy, water technology, nanotechnology, agriculture, including organic farming, and medicine were outlined as some of the key sectors for increased Indo-Israeli cooperation.

“India has grown consistently with its commitment to democracy and cultural values. The rest of the world could take pride in the history of pluralism and tolerance in India,” Mr. Peres, a Nobel peace laureate, said.

Israeli sources said Mr. Peres re-scheduled his programme to meet Mr. Kumar, which was a reflection of the importance that the veteran leader attached to the growing Indo-Israel ties and his appreciation of all that India stood for.

Israeli Deputy Prime Ministers Ellie Yishai and Shaul Mofaz also called upon the Indian Minister. “The common message of all these meetings is that Israel seeks a comprehensive partnership with India based on recognition and appreciation for India’s role in shaping the new global order,” Mr. Kumar said.

Mr. Yishai, also the Minister for Trade and Industry, proposed a Free Trade Agreement with India which, Mr. Kumar said, New Delhi would actively consider.

Israel is also mulling opening a second trade office in India, most probably in Bangalore.

During his meeting with Mr. Kumar, Mr. Peres emphasised that the economic growth in India is based on the strength of the people and is oriented towards benefiting the people while “maintaining its cultural identity and its soul.”

The President has warm personal relations with Mr. Kumar, whom he met in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh last year, Israeli sources said.

Mr. Kumar is visiting Israel with a high-level FICCI delegation, which is taking part in the Indo-Israel Joint Business Council meeting that also saw the participation of more than 100 leading Israeli businessmen.

Several leading Israeli companies have approached Mr. Kumar expressing their desire to invest in India, sources said. — PTI

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