Defence to food security on agenda during Rivlin's visit

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will travel to India on November 14 for an eight-day trip, the first presidential visit from the country in nearly 20 years that will enhance bilateral cooperation in diverse areas from "defence to food security".

Announcing the State visit, the External Affairs Ministry said President Rivlin will be accompanied by his spouse Nechama Rivlin, apart from a high-level delegation comprising officials, academicians and business leaders.

Asserting that the visit symbolises the growing partnership, an Israeli Embassy statement said it will focus on strengthening the ever growing economic ties between India and Israel.

Ambassador of Israel in India Daniel Carmon, in the statement, said, "President Rivlin's visit to India is an important event which signifies the growing and sustainable relations between our two countries. It is part of a historical process, and the next chapter is enhancing cooperation on agriculture, water and education; from defence and security to food security."
 

During his visit, Rivlin will meet President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other government officials in Delhi, apart from travelling to Mumbai and inaugurating the Agro Tech conference in Chandigarh alongside President Mukherjee.

Business and academic delegations including 15 heads of Israeli universities as well as Israeli companies, some of which are already active and successful in India, are part of the Presidential entourage.

"India and Israel enjoy excellent relations marked by strong ties in the areas of economy and commerce, science and technology, research and innovation, culture and tourism, education etc," the MEA release said.

The visit will include meeting business representatives and heads of universities in New Delhi, a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra and the adjacent Israeli water treatment plant "Aqwise".

There will also be a visit to the Indo-Israeli Agricultural Project's Center of Excellence in Karnal, the inauguration of Agro Tech 2016 in Chandigarh, and meetings with Indian industry representatives and the Jewish community in Mumbai.