Keen to enhance relationship with 'Make in India': Israeli Defence Minister

Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Ya'alon on Thursday said that Tel Aviv was keen to enhance its relationship with New Delhi by participation in the 'Make in India' initiative, adding that the relationship between the two nations is strong as it is based on shared values.

"There are a lot of similarities between India and Israel. We are both democracies and we share common aims and common interests. We have found a way to cooperate behind the scenes when it comes to security and defence, in research and development. And now, with Prime Minister Modi's initiative 'Make in India', we are finding a way to enhance the cooperation of both countries," Ya'alon said while speaking at the RK Mishra Memorial Lecture in the national capital.

"We believe that our relationship is strong because it is based upon shared common values. I believe that India and Israel respect each other. I am very optimistic of the opportunity of implementing Prime Minister Modi's vision in all its elements, but under my responsibility, in the security and defence sectors for the benefit of our two countries," he added.

Speaking of Israel's relationship with nations hostile to it but friendly to India, Ya'alon said that the ties between New Delhi and Tel Aviv were not determined by any third party.

"The relationship between India and Israel is not against any other nation. Israel believes in 'peace' as a value and we hope that India will help us reach that with certain countries that are hostile," he said.

Ya'alon further said that while Israel's relationship with China has a glass ceiling", his nation views India as a partner.

"The fact is that Israel is not allowed to enhance its security relationship with China because of the US. [However] We are ready to share our experiences and technologies with India. We view India as a partner and a friend," he said.

Ya'alon, who is the first Israeli Defence Minister to visit India in an official capacity, had earlier in the day called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.