Israel’s Finance Minister, Dr. Yuval Steinitz, visited India on 14-16 December, 2011, to attend the Delhi Economic Conclave organized by the Ministry of Finance and CII. During his visit, Minister Steinitz met with his counterpart, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, and discussed ways to strengthen the economic ties between the two countries. The two ministers reiterated the intention of both governments to finalize the Free Trade Agreement by 2012.

 

Minister Steinitz also met with Communication and IT Minister, Kapil Sibal. The two ministers agreed to establish a joint program to bring 100 Indian post-doctoral students to study in Israeli universities.

In addition, The senior Israeli Minister met Minister of State for Science and Technology, Mr. Ashwani Kumar, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Mr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia and National Security Advisor, Mr. Shivshankar Menon. 

 

In an effort to enhance and deepen the cooperation and collaboration between the two countries, Minister Steinitz and his Indian counterparts discussed platforms for promoting mutual R&D and collaboration in academic research in fields which are critical to both countries, such as water, bio-technology and agro-technology. "Education and R&D are the comparative advantage of both Israel and India. Collaboration in these fields is the key to our shared future and a crucial part of our burgeoning relationship" he said.

 

"Our ties may be second only to the relationship with the US"- Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz-  Q&A: The Times of India, Dec. 26, 2011