Israel and India agrees to strengthen military cooperation

Asia-Pacific, News February 20, 2015 , by IRIA No Comments

Moshe Ya’alon, the first Israeli defence minister to visit India since bilateral diplomatic ties were established over two decades back, has said that defence cooperation between the two countries are often carried out behind the scenes and offered all help and technology to make Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative a great success.

Ya’alon met Indian Prime Minister Modi on Thursday and offered defence technology towards Make in India initiative talked about the growing Indo-Israel defence and security relations at a conference organised by the Observer Research Foundation.

Ya’alon told his host that he viewed his visit as “a historic and highly significant event, which forms an additional layer in the strengthening of ties between India and Israel, and particularly between their defense establishments.”

“Our relations with India have become strong because of common values, interests and respect. Both countries have found ways to cooperate on security and defense behind the scenes,” he indicated growing security ties were being expanded away from the public domain. Israel has emerged as India’s second-biggest arms supplier after Russia over the past two decades.

Pointing out that Israel has rich experiences in turning disadvantages into advantages in many sectors like defence and security, agriculture and water, Ya’alon offered his country’s experiences, technology and know-how in assisting India advance further as both respect each other and have common interests.

“We are optimistic on implementing PM Modi’s vision and we’re hopeful that we can cement our partnership with India with PM Modi at the helm.”

Defence minister Ya’alon said Israel, a tiny country which has fought enemies from allaround by developing new technologies to intercept rockets and missiles, can cooperate closely in the defence and security sector with its offers of flexible technology transfer. “Sky is the limit”, he said with regard to endless possibilities of mutual cooperation.

“We look forward to continuing to exchange data, transferring technologies, manufacturing in India, and joint work.”

Terrorism has become a global problem, Ya’alon added, saying it is no longer in the Middle East, but has spread to Europe, South America, Africa and the East.

In the past, India and Israel had jointly produced the Barak 8 surface-to-air missile system, including both maritime and land-based versions. India purchased about $2 billion worth of the missiles.

India now plans to spend over a billion dollars on Israeli weapons. It has purchased 16 “Heron” drones, smart bombs and over 8,000 “Spike” anti-tank missiles.

JP/ET/Press TV