PMs bond, shore up ties; Modi invited Israeli defence companies for co-production

Bonhomie and personal chemistry was on full display, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visiting Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, met here for hours, both in restricted and delegation-level formats to carry forward bilateral ties. Both countries signed nine agreements, including those on cyber-security, solar thermal energy, oil and gas sector and space. The defence sector, sources said, was discussed at length behind close-doors.

Modi referred to his Israeli counterpart as "my friend Bibi", and Netanyahu thanked 'Narendra' for his "exceptional" friendship and described him as a "revolutionary leader," who has revolutionised the relationship between the two nations.

The Israeli PM said he will always be available if Modi ever wanted to do yoga with him. "Invite me to a yoga class, and I'll be there, it'll be a stretch but I"ll come," he said.

Among the issues discussed were greater recognition of Israel's status as a strategic partner of India, building partnerships in innovation and technology transfer in the fields of defence, agriculture and water management.

The new areas identified for cooperation included cyber-security and film co-production. Official sources said while private companies were involved in sharing cyber knowledge, it is for the first time when the governments have come into the picture.

In addition, the advancement of security deals and regional security issues were also discussed. The Israeli PM said that three things linked the two nations: an ancient past, a vibrant present, and the seizing of a positive future. He also commented that both countries "know the pain of terror," but they "fight back but never give in."

Sources said both sides were still working to salvage the recently terminated $500 million anti-tank spike missile deal. On Sunday, Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat met with his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval, to discuss security ties, including the sale of spike missiles, which was cancelled by India.

Secretary (Economic Relations) Vijay Gokhale, who is taking over as next foreign secretary over the next fortnight, admitted that the issue was discussed, but refused to elaborate.

Diplomatic officials said that Modi's gestures towards Netanyahu were meant to show the public, including the bureaucracy, that the close ties developed since India's PM took over in 2014 could not be reversed, and that Israel is a very important country for India.

While no mention was made of India joining 127 other countries to vote at the UN against Israel, the issue of Palestine was discussed during the meeting. "They reaffirmed their support for an early resumption of peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians," said a joint statement issued at the end of a two-hour meeting.

Terming their talks "wide-ranging and intensive", Modi, at a joint press event, said they reviewed the progress in the bilateral relations and agreed that "the possibilities and the opportunities" need to be seized.

According to the joint statement, the leaders noted the "grave" threat that terrorism poses to peace and security including from non-state actors, and reiterated that there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds.

They advocated strong measures against terrorists, terror outfits, those who sponsor, encourage or finance terrorism or provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups, the statement said. But unlike many documents India signed during multilateral or bilateral talks in the recent past, the India-Israel one didn't mention Pakistan or terrorism emanating from its soil.

Gokhale said there were no divergences and it was not necessary to name a country every time. The two leaders also noted that the next meeting of the Joint Working Groups on Homeland and Public Security will be held in February 2018, the statement said.

From strength to strength

The Agreements

The nine MoUs signed include those on cooperation in cyber security, oil and gas sector, film co-production and air transport 

Extensive Talks

Both PMs held extensive talks to strengthen ties in strategic areas of defence and counter-terrorism

Modi’s invitation

Modi invited Israeli defence companies to India for co-production. Netanyahu said both India and Israel would fight terrorism together

Growing Cooperation

Agreement to boost cooperation in agriculture, technology and security. Netanyahu said it is important for India and Israel to have a good tie-up between car manufacturers