PM NARENDRA MODI IN ISRAEL-THE PACTS SIGNED THIS WEEK

The most recent official international visit undertaken by our Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi to Israel was an unprecedented move owing to the fact that he became the first Indian PM to do so. The meeting with his Israeli counterpart saw the diplomatic relationship between the two countries take a positive turn, and seven pacts were signed between the two premiers on various matters of national and international relevance.

·         Science and Technology: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between our Department of Science and Technology and Israel’s National Technological Innovation Authority to set up an Industrial Research and Development (R&D) and Technical Innovation Fund for India and Israel, worth about $ 40 Million.

·         Water: Our Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation signed an agreement with Israel's Ministry of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources for a National Campaign for Water Conservation in India. Also, the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam signed a pact with the latter above for State Water Utility Reform in India.

·         Agriculture: A three-year work program from 2018-20 in the nature of a Development Cooperation in Agriculture sector, to promote and develop the same in course of the stipulated time period.

·         Space: An agreement was reached between the two premiers in regard to cooperation between Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Israel Space Agency (ISA) for collaborating works on Atomic Clocks. In addition to these, ISRO and ISA also signed MoUs on GEO-LEO Optical Links and for Electric Propulsion of Small Satellites, both of which would help with the development of space science and cooperation between both parties.

The talks also touched upon the topics of better diplomatic relationships, coordinated counter-terrorism moves, etc. and the current development may prove to be a pivotal positive step for both the countries. India has extended its diplomatic ties with Israel despite the Palestinian cause advocated by India, much in line with the general international condemnation of the Palestinian situation.