India, Israel discuss counter-terrorism, homeland security

New Delhi: India and Israel on Friday discussed the implementation of agreement on counter-terrorism and homeland security between the two countries.

Israel's Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon met Home Minister Rajnath Singh here. The ambassador told the Home Minister that Israel is looking forward to a meaningful cooperation with India in the area of homeland security. He said that the recently signed agreement is a step further in this direction.

The Home Minister welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza and hoped that it would usher in peace and tranquillity in the region that would be beneficial for both the sides.

The ambassador agreed with the Home Minister and indicated that the first priority of Israel is the reconstruction, rehabilitation and demilitarisation of Gaza so that peace and normalcy return to the region at the earliest.

The ambassador said during his meeting with the Home Minister he has discussed issues of mutual concern, common values and how to counter terrorism.

"We have also discussed how to implement the agreement on counter-terror and homeland security that Israel and India have already signed," he said.

India and Israel have agreements on homeland and public security, on protection of classified materials and information and a mutual legal assistance treaty in criminal matters.

Replying to queries, the ambassador said the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) was a danger to the free world.

"ISIS is definitely a danger to free world and India and Israel are part of the free world," he said.

ISIS, which is fighting Iraqi and Syrian forces, is an al-Qaeda splinter group. It has seized hundreds of square miles of land in Iraq and Syria.

The Ambassador has invited the Home Minister to attend the third Israel Homeland Security International Conference and Exhibition to be held in Tel Aviv during November this year.