Failure to act only encourages the terrorists: PM Modi

NEW DELHI: India and Israel here today agreed to strengthen their ties in agriculture, trade and defence. More importantly, the two sides asserted
that terrorism is a major threat, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hinting at Pakistan being a birthplace of terror.

In a joint press statement after the delegation level talks between India and Israel, Modi said, "Terrorism is a global challenge and has no boundaries and regrettably, one of the countries of its origin is in India's neighbourhood," India and Israel agreed on the need of the international community action against terror networks and States that harbour them. "Failure to act and silence of speech only encourages the terrorists," Modi further asserted.


Rivlin agreed that nothing can justify terror. "Israel and India are threatened by terror because we uphold the values of freedom. We stand together in defending our people and values," Rivlin said.

Modi stated India's economic initiatives and programmes, and emphasis on research and technological development match well with Israel. "Israeli companies can scale up their tie-ups with our flagship schemes of Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, and Smart Cities," said Modi.

On the importance of Indo-Israel ties, Rivlin asserted, "India and Israel have changed history. It is time to do it again,"

The statements of both the countries focused on enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency. Both the countries emphasized on the need of people to people ties through greater cultural and tourism linkages.

The President of Israel is on his first visit to India on the invitation of President Pranab Mukherjee. Both countries are celebrating 25 years of their diplomatic relations.

The Israeli President thanked Modi for the hospitality. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart, you have truly made us feel at home in your beautiful country," Rivlin said. Reuven Rivlin also invited PM to visit Jerusalem.