India, Israel to enhance cooperation, collaboration

New Delhi: India and Israel will be enhancing cooperation in various fields during the upcoming visit of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to India.

"We are striving for increasing cooperation and collaboration in various fields," said Israel's Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon at a media briefing on Friday.

The envoy informed that cooperation in areas of agriculture, water, defence, food industry, science and technology, trade and innovation would be on the top of agenda during the visit and various MoUs could be signed in these sectors.

Carmon said the Netanyahu's visit was happening at a time when the countries were celebrating 25 years of their diplomatic relations.

He emphasised that the strong connect between Prime Minister Netanyahu and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi would help bilateral ties.

"130 businessmen will be accompanying Prime Minister Netanyahu which reflects aspirations of both sides to increase trade and business. There is also a schedule meeting with businessmen in Mumbai," the envoy said.

Prime Minister Netanyahu would arrive on a six-day visit to India, starting from January 14.

During his visit, the Prime Minister Netanyahu will hold meetings with President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj.

In addition, Netanyahu will give an inaugural speech at the Raisina Dialogue and meet with the Indo-Israeli CEOs at the forum.

In Gujarat, the Indian and Israeli Prime Ministers will visit the Center of Excellence in Vadrad and inaugurate a Center of Excellence for date palms in Bhuj via video conference. They will also visit the iCreate innovation campus and center.

In Mumbai, Netanyahu will meet members of Jewish community and participate in a gathering of Indian business leaders. He will also reach out to Bollywood in an exclusive 'Shalom Bollywood' event.