BICOM

President Pranab Mukherjee yesterday became the first Indian head of state to visit Israel, underscoring the increasingly close ties between the two countries.

Diplomatic relations were first established between India and Israel in 1992, but have since then been characteristically low-key. However, Israeli-Indian bilateral relations have increased since Narendra Modi was elected to power last May. Modi is thought to be planning a visit to Israel soon. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Modi on the sidelines of last year’s United Nations General Assembly to discuss closer cooperation and in February, Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon became the highest-ranking Israeli official to visit India since Ariel Sharon in 2003.

Mukherjee was hosted yesterday by Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin at his official residence. Mukherjee said “India attaches great importance to its relations with Israel,” adding “We cooperate and exchange knowledge in many fields including defence, agriculture, scientific research and development.” Mukherjee also said that the two countries face an “increased terrorist threat,” a theme acknowledged by Rivlin who underscored that, “We are working together to protect the security of both nations from terrorism and fundamentalism.”

Later in the day, President Mukherjee addressed a special session of the Knesset plenum. He told Knesset members that, “Israeli technological advances can enhance India`s industrial production. Collaboration can create more jobs both in India and Israel.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also addressed the session, saying “India is a huge country, and we are a small country, but together we are doing great things … and we are working together to realize the potential of innovation in order to bring welfare and prosperity to our countries.” Netanyahu also underscored the common security threat, noting that, “In the face of all the challenges of fanaticism and terror that have befallen both countries, we have succeeded in preserving democracy for seven decades. Both of our countries are attacked by global terror elements.”

Mukherjee will today be presented with an honorary doctorate from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.