Jerusalem, Feb 28 (NationPress) J.P. Singh, India’s Ambassador to Israel, hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent two-day visit as a monumental event, noting that the Israeli populace welcomed him with great enthusiasm, celebrating the occasion akin to a festival.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Ambassador Singh emphasized that this visit represented a pivotal moment in the history of India-Israel relations, leading to the signing of 16 agreements across crucial sectors.

“The two-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was historic in every respect. The reception he received from the people of Israel, filled with warmth and excitement, reflects the profound respect and friendship shared between our nations. It felt like a celebration,” Singh stated.

He highlighted that PM Modi’s address to the Israeli Knesset garnered significant acclaim.

“The Prime Minister’s speech at the Knesset was well-received, showcasing the common values and the strengthening partnership between India and Israel. The honor he received from the Israeli Parliament is a testament to the solid foundation of our bilateral relations,” he remarked.

According to the Ambassador, the visit resulted in a substantial enhancement of bilateral relations.

“This visit has transformed our relationship from a strategic partnership to a special strategic partnership. This is a significant advancement, reflecting the trust and mutual confidence between our nations. We have finalized 16 agreements that encompass various areas of collaboration,” he noted.

Science and technology emerged as pivotal focus areas. Singh mentioned that Artificial Intelligence (AI), cyber security, and quantum technologies were particularly emphasized.

“In the domain of Artificial Intelligence alone, we signed two agreements, one of which targets AI in education. This aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of ensuring that technological advancements reach the common populace,” he elaborated.

Highlighting cyber security as a critical collaborative field, Singh stated, “Cyber security is a pressing global issue. We are striving to merge our strengths to effectively counter emerging threats in this area.”

He pointed out that Israel’s core competencies lie in innovation, research, development, AI, and cyber security.

“India also possesses strong capabilities in these domains. Our aim is to develop a framework that leverages the strengths of both nations for mutual benefit,” he stated.

Agriculture is another vital area of collaboration. Singh indicated that the expansion of Centres of Excellence would enhance farm productivity and support small-scale farmers.

“By uniting the agricultural strengths of India and Israel, we can boost productivity and enhance the incomes of farmers, particularly benefiting small and marginal farmers,” he explained.

Trade and economic cooperation were discussed thoroughly during the visit.

“Recently, we finalized a bilateral treaty, and both Prime Ministers have instructed that a Free Trade Agreement should be concluded at the earliest opportunity. We have also signed an agreement on UPI, which will facilitate smoother financial transactions and benefit both nations,” he added.

Regarding defense collaboration, Singh mentioned that both countries are already working closely and will expand cooperation in this sector. Cultural ties were also strengthened through new agreements established during the visit.

Describing PM Modi’s address as “visionary,” the Ambassador stated that it underscored the commonalities between the two nations and laid out a roadmap for future growth.

“The Prime Minister’s address gained widespread recognition and was appreciated by individuals in both countries. The acknowledgment he received from the Israeli Parliament is significant and highlights his efforts to bolster India-Israel relations,” Singh concluded.