Gantz kicks off official visit to India to discuss deepening defense ties

India and Israel share similar and common challenges, including border security and fighting terrorism, says Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz.

By JNS

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz arrived in New Delhi, India on Thursday for a state visit. He was hosted by his counterpart, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and met with an honor guard, according to a statement from his office.

The two ministers “presented a joint declaration marking 30 years of Israel-India relations and reiterated their commitment to deepening defense ties,” said the statement.

“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 told Singh.

India and Israel are marking 30 years of official diplomatic ties and defense cooperation.

Gantz and Singh also discussed strategic global challenges, military cooperation, defense industrial cooperation and joint research and development.

A cooperation agreement signed between the Indian Defence Research and Development Organization and Israel’s Directorate for Defense Research and Development, which will enable the expansion of technological collaboration and development between the countries, also featured in the talks.

Israel has expressed its interest in sharing capabilities and defense technologies with India, in line with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” policy.