‘Our ties have stood test of times’: India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that India and Israel have decided to elevate their ties to the level of a Special Strategic Partnership. He added that the discussions focused on giving a new direction and momentum to the relationship between the two countries.

Addressing a joint press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister Modi thanked Netanyahu for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation.

Referring to being conferred with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, PM Modi said he dedicates the honour to 140 crore Indians and to the enduring friendship between India and Israel.

He said, “Our relationship is based on a strong foundation of deep trust and shared democratic values… Our ties have stood the test of time. Today, we have taken the historic decision to elevate our time-tested partnership to the status of a Special Strategic Partnership. This decision reflects the vision of both countries. We will soon give final shape to a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement.”

“We have decided to establish a critical and emerging technology partnership. I am happy that an agreement has been signed for the use of UPI in Israel. We will further our work in civil nuclear energy and space fields. Together, we will develop future-ready farming solutions. We will work on creating villages of excellence,” he added.

PM Modi further noted that the meeting saw discussions aimed at giving cooperation a new direction and accelerating its momentum.

PM Modi said, “India and Israel are clear that there is no place for terrorism in the world. Terrorism cannot be accepted in any form. We will continue to fight against terrorism and its supporters… We will proceed together on IMEC and I2U2…”

(ANI)