New Delhi: India and Israel on Thursday signed three agreements to strengthen the efforts in the war against terror and beef up bilateral security relations.
The agreements relate to Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters, Agreement on Protection of Classified Material and Agreement on Cooperation in Homeland and Public Security.
The pacts were signed by Additional Secretary in the Home Ministry Rajiv Sharma and Ambassador of Israel in India Alon Ushpiz and one agreement by Director in the Ministry of Defence Amir Kain, a Home Ministry spokesperson said.
In a press release, the Israel Embassy said Israel views these agreements as a part of the ongoing efforts by both the countries in the war against terror, which are based on the shared determination to protect their citizens, their assets and their interests.
"We believe that these agreements are another important platform for the cooperation between our countries and we would like to express our appreciation for the leadership of the Ministry of Home Affairs in this regard," the release said.
Israel`s Minister of Public Security Yitzhak Aharonovich said the agreements signed were a fine example of Israel`s substantial and equal partnership with India.
"The various types and forms of threats the two countries face make this cooperation an indispensable one. Terror is a global threat and only through cooperation between allies can peace-seeking countries overcome such threats," he said.
Ambassador of Israel in India Alon Ushpiz said the unconditional commitment Israel shares with India to protect the lives of the citizens is the bedrock of these pacts.
"By joining hands in this important field, whether it is through technology or through investment in the crucial human resource, we will be able also to better ensure the continuing development of our societies and economies," he said.
India and Israel had signed the Extradition Treaty and Agreement for Transfer of Sentenced Persons in 2012.
