India and Israel are Natural Allies
Pune, June 22, 2017: India and Israel are natural allies and both the nations must find a common ground to strengthen the relationship in the future expressed Daniel Carmon, Israeli ambassador to India. He was speaking at the programme organised by Pune International Centre (PIC) to mark the 25 years of the Indo-Israeli diplomatic relationship.
Carmon delivered a lecture on ‘25 years of Growing Partnership and Beyond’- a snapshot on India- Israel relationship and way forward. David Akov, Counsul General of Israel to India, Dr. Firodia, trustee of PIC, Prashant Girbane, honorary director, PIC were present on the dais. The session was chaired by Dr. Vijay Kelkar, vice president of PIC.
While elaborating the last 25 years of Indo-Israel relationship, Carmon said, “The relationship between these two nations has been perceived as the low key defence focussed relationship. It was not strong and visible in the early years of association. But now our relations are expanding in other fields as well.”
Carmon explained that in the sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, food security, technology, cyber security and entrepreneurship India and Israel can become natural partners. “If we take a look at last 25 years, the world has evolved and so has the diplomatic relationship between India and Israel. Now, with politics and policy our relationship also focuses on exchange of culture, trade and technology,” he said.
He further mentioned that with the help of Indian government, Israel’s organisations are providing their expertise in the field of agriculture by setting up excellence centres across India. Carmon also highlighted that out of all the foreign students studying in Israel, 10% are from India.
“The expected visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel in the coming few weeks reflects the ascending relationship between these two countries. This visit will set the broader perspective to the ties between the two nations in the coming 25 years,” he said.
In his introductory address, Dr Firodiya highlighted the importance of agricultural development happening in Israel. He said, “Israel has made great advancements in agriculture and water management. Their insights and guidance in our agriculture industry can revolutionise our rural economy. The next many years of our relationship should focus on collective development,” he said.
Dr Kelkar, in his remarks said that India and Israel are natural allies as they both have great civilization history and similar geopolitical conditions. “India can learn a lot from Israel in terms of technology and security. Today, we can certainly say that these relationships are growing from strength to strength,” concluded Dr. Kelkar.
