During delegation meetings in Tel Aviv in early August, the Indian side led by Minister of State for Commerce Mr Ashwani Kumar sought Israeli expertise in bolstering its own research and development base. While inaugurating the joint business forum organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute, Minister Kumar said that India needs Israeli expertise and experience in R&D for small and medium enterprises in areas such as agriculture, irrigation, and chemicals.

Kumar said that peace was crucial for development and praised the Israeli President Simon Peres for his “irrevocable commitment” to peace. President Peres lauded India as “a unique example of a nation that has achieved high economic growth consistent with its cultural values.” Mr Peres re-scheduled his programme to meet Mr Kumar – a reflection of the importance that the veteran leader attaches to the growing Indo-Israel ties.

During the session Mr Kumar highlighted India’s growth story and its integration with global economy, and the challenges of inclusive growth which it is currently addressing now.

Mr David Arzi, Chairman of the Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute, said that India today is the third largest trading partner of Asia for Israel, and that a potential free trade agreement between the two countries would ease the way for more joint projects, including one with third parties. He said the institute is working with Exim Bank of India to identify additional sectors, more partners and fresh ideas to extend the scope of cooperation to new and frontier areas. He added that the institute is willing to support Indian companies for collaborations and joint ventures in Israel.

Gopal Krishna, Joint Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy& Promotion, made a presentation on India, highlighting the competitive edge India enjoys in several areas to be taken advantage of by prospective Israeli companies eyeing joint ventures with Indian companies.

15 Years of Diplomatic Ties

Year 2007 marks the 15th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Israel and India, as full diplomatic relations were established in 1992. A special supplement of Diplomatist magazine titled India-Israel – 15 Years of Diplomatic Ties has been uploaded on the homepage of the Diplomatist website (www.diplomatist.com), and can be downloaded in PDF format. The Supplement includes, amongst other items of interest, a Foreword written by outgoing Israeli Ambassador Mr David Danieli and an informative story titled India and Israel, Then and Now by Eric Silver, The Guardian’s Israel correspondent 1972-83 and South Asia correspondent 1984-87.