Modi is a Revolutionary Leader, Says Israel PM Netanyahu

India and Israel signed nine agreements in areas such as agriculture, defence and entertainment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint presser in New Delhi on Monday,  

(Photo: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday invited Israeli defence companies to India for co-production, as he held comprehensive talks on strategic issues with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, who called him a "revolutionary leader".

The two countries also inked nine pacts to boost cooperation in key areas such as cyber security, gas and oil after extensive delegation-level talks between their prime ministers.

Terming their talks as "wide-ranging and intensive", Modi, at a joint press event with Netanyahu, said they reviewed the progress in the bilateral relations and agreed upon "the possibilities and the opportunities" that the two countries need to seize.

We will strengthen the existing pillars of cooperation in areas that touch the lives of our peoples. These are agriculture, science and technology, and security...In defence, I have invited Israeli companies to take advantage of the liberalised FDI regime to make more in India with our companies.

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, India

At the press event, Netanyahu said, "Indians and Israelis know too well the pain of terrorist attacks. We remember the horrific savagery in Mumbai. We grit our teeth, we fight back, we never give in."

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. They reiterated the importance of building comprehensive cooperation in counter-terrorism, including cyber-space, the statement said.

On defence cooperation, the statement said the two prime ministers consider it important to set the direction for developing more business models and partnerships for joint ventures and joint manufacturing, including transfer of technology as well as joint research and development in defence and security fields.

The two leaders asked their respective defence ministries to hold discussions this year with active involvement of the public and private sectors, in order to create the basis for viable, sustainable and long term cooperation in the defence industry, the statement said.

The bonhomie between the two leaders was on full display with Modi starting his press statement welcoming Netanyahu in Hebrew and the visiting leader describing the Indian prime minister as a "revolutionary leader".

You are a revolutionary leader and you are revolutionising India. You are catapulting this magnificent state into the future. And you have revolutionised the relations between Israel and India. 

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister, Israel

The two leaders also exchanged views on scaling up the centres of excellence that have been a mainstay of agricultural cooperation by bringing in advanced Israeli practices and technology.

Modi said the two countries are also venturing into the less explored areas of cooperation, such as oil and gas, cyber security, films, and start-ups.Modi said that he was looking forward to accompany Netanyahu to his home state, Gujarat.

Video Editor: Vishal Kumar