In the first state visit to India by an Israeli President in the last 20 years, Reuven Rivlin will be here from November 14-21 on the invitation of his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee.
As many as 15 agreements covering education, water, agriculture, research and development and energy will be signed during Rivlin’s visit apart from ramping up Defence ties in the private sector.
“President Rivlin’s visit to India is an important event which signifies the growing and sustainable relations between our two countries. It is part of a historical process, and the next chapter is enhancing cooperation on agriculture, water and education; from defence and security to food security,” Ambassador of Israel in India, Daniel Carmon said on Thursday.
Carmon added some fresh joint ventures and technology transfer in developing weapons systems were being worked out. “India and Israel enjoy very unique and robust relation in areas of defence and Homeland security. There are plans for fresh joint venture and technology transfer. Defence cooperation and challenges will also be raised as part of our regular conversation,” he said.
“India and Israel enjoy excellent relations marked by strong ties in the areas of economy and commerce, Science and Technology, Research and Innovation, Culture and Tourism, Education etc,” External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.
Rivlin’s delegation comprises of government officials,and business and academic heads including 12 chancellors of Israeli universities and defence companies, some of which are already active in India. During his stay, Rivlin will hold talks with Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will also attend a ceremony in the Taj Hotel and Chabad House in Mumbai to pay tribute to the victims of the 26/11 terror attack in which six Jews were also killed. Rivlin will have meetings with the Jewish community too in Mumbai.
The President will also travel to Chandigarh to inaugurate the Agro Tech conference. A visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra and the adjacent Israeli water treatment plant ‘Aqwise’ and a visit to the Indo-Israeli Agricultural Project’s Center of Excellence in Karnal are also scheduled.