The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee said India looks forward to enhancing its close co-operation with Israel for the progress of our respective peoples and peace in this part of the world. The President said it in his opening remarks to the press and the delegation made immediately after the ceremonial reception in his honour today (October 14, 2015) in Jerusalem, Israel.

The President said India attaches high importance to its relationship with Israel. Relations between India and Israel have taken great strides in the last few years. We are cooperating and collaborating in a range of areas from defence and agriculture to science, research and innovation. We are also discovering and identifying new areas of complementarities where there is significant potential to be realized. There are tremendous opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration. As two leading knowledge economies of Asia and the world, India and Israel have many strengths and much to learn from each other’s experiences.

The President said he will discuss the many global challenges that India and Israel face today - including the growing menace of terrorism and extremism, common concerns about climate change and the urgent need for reform of global governance architecture with Israeli leadership during his visit. The President said India is distressed at the recent violence. India condemns all forms of terrorism. We have always advocated a peaceful resolution of all disputes. He will seek the assessment of the Israeli leadership about the recent developments in this region which have caused concern all over the world and have direct implications for India.