Day before PM Modi visit, Israel backs India on terror from Pakistan

Both the prime ministers are scheduled to hold talks Wednesday. Netanyahu will accompany Modi for most of the two-day visit after hosting a private dinner for the Indian Prime Minister at his official residence Tuesday. Modi is also scheduled to visit a floriculture farm and the Holocaust museum.

Sofer, a former ambassador to India, said the two sides will sign three agreements on space cooperation; launch a joint strategic partnership on water and agriculture; open a new Indian cultural centre in Israel; and, launch a joint CEOs forum.

Speaking about a common concern, Sofer said, “Both countries face the same challenges of terrorism and face the same struggle. No civilised country can defeat terrorism by itself. All like-minded countries, like India and Israel, have to make a concerted effort.”

Asked about counter-terrorism cooperation, Sofer said it would not be the focus of the visit, but will definitely be a part of the discussions. “When countries are faced with similar challenges, then like-minded democratic countries have to come together to fight against those evil challenges,” he said.

Israel’s Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon said the two countries had signed an agreement on homeland security in 2014 and that cooperation was happening on that front.

Israeli officials described Modi’s visit as “historic” and “special”, and said the groundwork was prepared by “seven pre-visits” from different ministries and departments from India. “It is difficult, if not impossible, to overstate the importance of the visit,” said Sofer.

Asked if the Palestinian issue would come up during discussions, Sofer said, “When two leaders meet, all issues are on the table.”

On Modi’s itinerary not including Palestine, unlike those of leaders in the past from India, Sofer said there was “nothing sinister or special” about this. “Israel has de-hyphenated its relationship…and Prime Minister Modi’s visit is a bilateral visit,” he said.

PM ON TUESDAY
4 pm: Arrival
5 pm: Farm visit
6.30 pm: Holocaust museum
7.30 pm: Dinner with Netanyahu.
(Local time)