Rajnath invites Israel defence sector to 'Make in India'

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has invited the Israeli defence sector to manufacture in India as part of 'Make in India' initiative, outlining various policy changes under the new government.

Meeting with Israel Defence Minister Moshe Ya'alon in Tel Aviv on Friday, Singh also referred in particular to the relaxation in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limits in the defence sector while urging that nation to participate in 'Make in India'.

During their meeting, the ministers of both nations emphasised the priority accorded by the two countries to their bilateral relationship and agreed to continue to cooperate in various areas, in particular in the defence sector.

In addition, Ya'alon said that Israel wanted to develop relations in the defence sector and discussed the possibility of transferring cutting-edge technologies for manufacturing in India.

Singh and Ya'alon also discussed the regional scenario and the threat posed by terrorism. A number of areas of specific cooperation were discussed, including protection of border areas and information sharing.

India imports critical defence technologies from Israel. There are regular exchanges between the armed forces. The two nations also cooperate on security issues and there is a joint working group on counter-terrorism that meets periodically.