Rajnath calls for 'hi-tech partnership' with Israel

The future emphasis of the India-Israel bilateral relationship should be on building a "hi-tech partnership befitting the two", Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh said at a meeting with the Israeli prime minister.

In an hour-long meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu Thursday, Rajnath Singh also said "terror was a threat not only to countries like India and Israel but to the whole world", an official statement said Friday.

"Both the leaders discussed the regional situation and the terror threats to the global community... They reviewed existing cooperation and future possibilities in this area," the statement said.

The home minister also expressed satisfaction at the growth in bilateral ties in a range of areas including defence and agriculture.

"In this context, he emphasized the importance of capacity building and training. He said the future emphasis should be to build a hi-tech partnership befitting the two leading knowledge economies," the statement said.

The statement said the meeting was held in "extremely cordial atmosphere" and "fruitful discussions" were held on a wide range of issues.

"Both leaders agreed that the Free Trade Agreement under discussion between the two sides should be signed early," it added.

Rajnath Singh left for Monaco Nov 3 to attend an Interpol ministerial meeting and general assembly.

As a part of the tour, the minister is visiting Israel and will also travel to France to discuss security related bilateral issues.