Rajnath to lay importance on security during his Israel visit

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who is set to visit Israel this month to boost bilateral ties between the two countries, on Saturday said that discussions would be held on homeland and border security matters.

During the visit, Singh is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on November 6 during which both sides are expected to sign a number of agreements on several issues.

"I will be visiting Israel where I will hold talks with the Prime minister on homeland security and discussions will also be held on border security and other related topics," said Singh.

India will be represented by Singh in Interpol's General Assembly beginning on November 3 in Monaco where he is expected to seek support for cases having international ramifications, including those related to terror.

The Home Minister further said discussion would be held on security and on police modernisation as far as Interpol is concerned.

Reports suggest that India is building defence ties with Israel and has decided to buy USD 525 million anti-tank weaponry from Israel instead of the United States which is a big step towards boosting bilateral relations.

The Home Minister's visit comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Israeli counterpart on September 28 in New York in a bid to strengthen bilateral ties and strategic dialogue between the two countries.