India and Israel to develop ties in future defense technology

By Our Special Correspondent

India and Israel finalized a vision statement on Thursday to further step up their overall defence cooperation, especially in the co-production of key military equipment and joint research and development of futuristic technologies for the armed forces.

Defence Minister Gantz reached New Delhi on Thursday on his first official visit to India. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of official diplomatic ties between India and Israel.

The defence ministry said both the ministers “acknowledged mutual security challenges and their convergences on a number of strategic and defence issues”.It said they expressed their commitment to working together to enhance cooperation in all forums.

"Both sides agreed on the India-Israel Vision on Defense Cooperation with a view to further strengthening the existing framework of Indo-Israel Defense Cooperation architecture," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministers also discussed a cooperation agreement signed between Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Israel’s Directorate for Defense R&D. It is likely to enable the expansion of technological collaboration and development between both the countries.

“Discussed key issues pertaining to defence cooperation and global and regional scenarios during the bilateral meeting. We place great value on our Strategic Partnership with Israel,” the defence minister said in a tweet.