Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day state visit to Israel is poised to set new benchmarks in the India-Israel strategic relationship across various sectors, solidifying ties based on shared trust and vision. The foundation of this relationship was laid in 2006 when PM Modi, then Gujarat Chief Minister, led a business delegation to Israel to explore agricultural practices and enhance engagements. This visit marked the beginning of a journey that has evolved into a strong strategic partnership between the two nations, focusing on technology, trust, and a common vision.
The social media handle ‘Modi Story’ has detailed PM Modi’s initial visit to Israel and highlighted the growth of the bilateral relationship from 2006 to the present. The engagements under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership have been instrumental in fostering collaborations between Indian and Israeli stakeholders, as acknowledged by a leading industry figure. These interactions have not only benefited Indian businesses but have also contributed to long-term partnerships between the two countries.
During his visit to Israel, then Chief Minister Modi aimed to understand and adopt the innovative agricultural practices that had made the nation successful despite water scarcity. His focus on advanced irrigation systems, greenhouse cultivation, and dairy development reflected his vision to enhance water efficiency and agricultural productivity in Gujarat. The articulation of concepts like “Divided by Land, United by Water” and “More Crops per Drop” at the India-Israel Business Forum underscored the importance of sustainable water management and agricultural strategies.
Baba Kalyani, Managing Director of Bharat Forge, shared insights from his participation in the 2017 delegation, emphasizing the significant progress in Indo-Israeli collaborations. The discussions during the visit highlighted Israel’s expertise in digital applications and Artificial Intelligence (AI) across sectors like agriculture. The continuous exchange of knowledge and experiences between the two nations has led to substantial advancements in cooperation and mutual learning.
