India looking forward to intensify with Israel, quips President Pranab Mukerjee

Terming as "historic" the visit of Israel President Reuven Rivlin , as it came after a gap of 20 years, President Pranab Mukerjee on Wednesday said  India is looking forward to intensify partnership with Israel for "mutual benefit" and both the countries should work collectively to respond tothe global challenges.

He also said that India needs to develop several sectors including homeland and cyber security in which Israel has 'proven capabilities'.Speaking at a banquet hosted in the honour of visiting Israel President Reuven Rivlin at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday, Mukherjee said challenges of 21st century call for a coordinated response from the global community.Rivlin represents the people who Indians admire, with whom Indians feel a strong and unique bond as both are ancient civilizations that have made significant contributions to humanity.

"To effectively respond to global challenges, including climate change, we will need to collectively work for efficient solutions. We must leave our children a world that is better, cleaner and healthier. A world that is at peace, where diverse people live and flourish side-by-side in peace, respectful of each other's beliefs and in total harmony with each other. I am confident that together, India and Israel can realise this important goal," Mukherjee said.

He said as the two nation celebrate 25 years of diplomatic  relations next year, India looks forward to further intensifying partnership for mutual benefit and the good ofthe world. Lauding Israel's accomplishment, Mukherjee said, "Your leadership, past and present, has inspired your people to overcome unspeakable tribulations and emerge stronger.

Through sheer hard work and determination, you have built a highly progressive, confident and self-reliant nation. Your passion for innovation and your entrepreneurial spirit has earned youthe title of a 'Start Up Nation'." He said both the governments have jointly identified areas to be prioritised, in which both have tremendous synergies.

"India needs to develop its capabilities in water resourcemanagement, agriculture, defense, renewable energy, academic exchanges, science and technology as well as homeland and cyber security. Israel has advanced technologies and provencapabilities in these key sectors," he said. Mukherjee said "Both our peoples gained independence after the second World War. Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of our Nation, had believed that the Jews people had a legitimate claim for Israel.

Pandit Nehru, too, believed in this. He had said, in 1950 and I quote, 'Israel is a fact'." The President said recent bilateral exchanges reflect the high level of trust and mutual understanding. "They underline our shared desire to intensify multi-faceted bilateral co-operation. India's economy is presently on a positive trajectory," he said.