PTI

New Delhi, June 2

India and Israel on Thursday finalised a imaginative and prescient assertion to additional step up their general defence cooperation, particularly within the co-production of key navy gear, joint analysis and growth of futuristic applied sciences for the armed forces.

The determination to additional broad-base the already shut bilateral defence ties was taken throughout wide-ranging talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his visiting Israeli counterpart Benjamin Gantz.

A ‘letter of intent’ on enhancing cooperation within the area of futuristic defence applied sciences was additionally exchanged between the 2 ministers, the defence ministry stated.

“Both the ministers acknowledged mutual security challenges and their convergences on a number of strategic and defence issues. They expressed commitment to work together to enhance cooperation in all forums,” it stated in an announcement.

“With the intention to additional strengthen the prevailing framework of the Indo-Israeli defence cooperation structure, either side adopted the India-Israel ‘Vision on Defence Cooperation,” it said.

The ministry said a wide range of issues concerning bilateral, regional and defence industrial cooperation were discussed at the meeting.

It is learnt that the Ukraine crisis and the situation in the Gulf region also figured in the meeting.

The Israeli embassy said, “the ministers discussed partnerships within the government-to-government framework, military training, and technological cooperation with a focus on UAVs and defensive capabilities.”

“India and Israel share similar and common challenges, including border security and fighting terrorism. By working together, we may increase our capabilities and ensure the security and economic interests of both countries,” Gantz said, according to the embassy.

It said the discussions covered topics such as strategic global challenges, military cooperation, defence industrial cooperation and joint research and development.

“They also discussed a cooperation agreement signed between the Indian DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and Israel’s Directorate for Defense R and D, which can allow the growth of technological collaboration and growth between the nations,” the embassy stated.

It stated ministers declared their intention to additional develop defence cooperation in a fashion that harnesses Israel’s technological development and operational expertise, along with India’s “extraordinary development and production capabilities”.

“The cooperation between the countries would be in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” imaginative and prescient,” it stated.

Singh described the assembly with Gantz as “warm and productive”.

“Discussed key issues pertaining to defence cooperation and global and regional scenarios during the bilateral meeting. We place great value on our Strategic Partnership with Israel,” Singh tweeted.

“Glad that both the countries adopted a ‘Vison Statement’ which will pave the way for defence cooperation in future. There is a broad consensus between both the countries on further strengthening the bilateral strategic and defence cooperation,” he added.

Earlier within the day, Gantz visited the National War Memorial and paid homage to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath.

He was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour earlier than his talks with Singh.

India has been a significant purchaser of Israel’s navy {hardware}. Israel has been supplying numerous weapon programs, missiles and unmanned aerial autos to India over the previous few years however the transactions have largely remained behind the curtains.

India procured quite a lot of weapons and ammunition together with Spike anti-tank guided missiles from Israel within the final couple of years.