'India, Israel trying to make relationship multi-dimensional'

As India and Israel begin to celebrate 25 years of diplomatic ties, a senior official here on Tuesday said that the two countries are constantly trying to make the relationship more multi-dimensional.

Speaking at an event to mark the commencement of commemoration of 25 years of diplomatic ties, External Affairs Ministry Secretary (Economic Relations) Amar Sinha said that it was "a very important contemporary relationship".

"We are constantly trying to make it a more multi-dimensional relationship," Sinha said.

He said that with many regions in India facing water scarcity, Israel's water technology has been of much help.

In agriculture, he referred to the centres of excellence set up by Israel in India.

"We are collaborating in cyber security. In education, we have signed over 20 MoUs (memorandums of understanding) between Israeli and Indian universities," Sinha said. "We are exploring new areas of cooperation."

The Secretary said that to mark the 25 years of diplomatic ties, a series of events were being organised both in India and Israel These include exchange of high-level political visits and visits by business delegations.

Stating that 85,000 people have moved from India to Israel, Sinha said there has been no history of anti-Semitism in India.

Speaking on the occasion, Israeli Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon said that the first 25 years of diplomatic ties would serve as the foundation for the next 25 years.

"From security to food security, energy to water, and academia, all are parts of cooperation between our two countries," he stated.

"Success stories in defence, agriculture and water are something we are very proud of."

India established diplomatic ties with Israel in 1992. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to make a bilateral visit to the Jewish nation sometime later this year.

--IANS

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