Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the President of Israel recently paid a visit to India and held discussions with Prime Minister of India and other leaders at New Delhi;
(b) if so, the details of discussions held;
(c) whether several agreements were signed between India and Israel on various issues; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the likely benefit to India on the signing of such agreements?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) Yes, President of Israel H.E. Mr. Reuven Rivlin paid a State visit to India from 14-21 November, 2016. He held discussions with the President and Prime Minister. Vice President called on Israeli President during his visit.
(b) A range of issues were discussed to intensify bilateral cooperation, which include agriculture, water, Science & Technology and education. Our Prime Minister highlighted the need for technology transfer particularly in defence through joint ventures under make in India. Israel has shown keen interest to participate in our ''Make in India'' campaign.
(c) Yes.
(d) An MoU on Water Resources Management and Development Cooperation between India and Israel and a Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in the field of Agriculture were signed during the visit.
The MoU on Water Resources Management and Development Cooperation will facilitate means and ways to bring Israeli know-how into India in a greater way to address water shortages in India as Israel is considered to have great expertise in desalinisation and recyclying of water.
Whereas, Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in the field of Agriculture will help India in increasing agricultural productivity through crop management, recycling of irrigation water, soil treatment, green house farming etc. through the Centres of Excellence (CoE) set up in collaboration with Israel. It will help to bring a large number of farmers in India to increase their productivity.