Rivlin in India: Ties will grow stronger
Marking 25 years of diplomatic relations, Israel's president meets with India's top leaders on his state visit to their country, having a working meeting with the prime minister.
President Reuven Rivlin met on Tuesday with India's top leaders during his state visit to India marking the 25 years of diplomatic ties between the countries.
During a work meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, the two leaders pledged to deepen their countries' already strong defense and economic ties. They also signed several agreements for future collaboration in the fields of agriculture, research and water technologies.
"I have no doubt that my visit here will help the ties and the cooperation between our two peoples will grow stronger," said Rivlin. "In security and our ability to keep our people safe, in agriculture, in water, in technology, in culture and in education."
Modi concurred. "We noted the strength of our growing defense partnership and agreed on the need to make it more broad-based through production and manufacturing partnerships," he said.
"President Rivlin and I deeply value our strong and growing partnership to secure our societies," Modi added. "Our people are constantly threatened by forces of terrorism and extremism. The international community must act with resolve and determination against terror networks and the countries that harbor them. We agreed to intensify our cooperation to combat the forces of extremism and radicalization that threaten all peace-loving nations."
Rivlin was welcomed earlier with an official ceremony at the residence of Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. After the Israeli and Indian national anthems were played, Rivlin laid a wreath and sprinkled petals on the tomb of the late Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi. He also signed the official guest book.
"Israel and India have a firm alliance, of two peoples with impressive pasts," Rivlin told Mukherjee. "I am hopeful that my visit will serve to deepen the ties between us and your wonderful people, with whom we have so much in common."
"We are proud of the Jewish community in India," Modi commented. "It is a vital part of our composite cultural mosaic that continues to thrive in their traditions."
President Rivlin was scheduled to hold a series of meetings with other key Indian officials later in the day, and to then attend a state dinner with his wife Nechama in honor of their visit.
Article reprinted with permission from TPS.
