The Defence 'Make in India' Summit Ambassador Carmon Speech, January 21, 2016 at Manekshaw Center

Embassy of Israel

New Delhi

The Defence 'Make in India' Summit

Ambassador Carmon Speech, January 21, 2016 at Manekshaw Center

Israel’s Ambassador to India, Mr. Daniel Carmon spoke yesterday at the Defense ‘Make in India’ Summit by CNBC TV18. Excerpts from his speech

New Delhi, 22^nd  January, 2016: Ambassador Carmon began by acknowledging the successful visit by External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, to Israel. “She was warmly received by Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Reuven Rivlin, Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon as well as other ministers and legislators. As a first hand witness I can tell you that this is yet another solid proof for our intimate and close relations.”

On the relations with India, Ambassador said, “Our relations are based on three basic foundations: Shared Values, Joint Interests and Common Challenges. Most relevant today is our similar security and defense challenges, including the global and local war on terror. This partnership with India is not just “another option”, it is almost a necessity today.”

On Make in India, Ambassador Carmon said, “we have been following the Indian government’s initiative of ‘Make in India’. Our Defence Minister was in India last year held extensive talks on the matter and said that we are interested to take part in ‘Make In India’ and have proven more than once in the past that we are open for the concept of transfer of advanced high technology and joint development and as a matter of fact, we’re already practically engaged in very specific projects of “Make in India”. Ambassador added, “There are already a number of examples of successful joints initiatives between Israel and India in the fields of defence. LRSAM/Barak 8 is only one of them. We should strive to develop even further this unique partnership in Defence.”

We have no doubt in Israel that R&D serves a growth engine for the local industry. That is why we are willing to create more platforms of joint R&D to pinpoint shared challenges, discuss and plan solutions together, and even manufacture them together. Both sides have a lot to gain from this collaboration. Both sides have already gained from this kind of partnership.

On global terrorism, Ambassador said, “Today, terror organizations have become national threats to many countries by being more vigilant and advanced and they cannot be dismissed anymore as mere nuisance. Developing indigenous and local capabilities to confront these challenges is a first step. The challenges we are facing today are not about to vanish but rather they will transform and reshape. Constantly. Our response, based on cooperation, should aim first and foremost to develop adaptive capabilities suitable for these times and these challenges. Our main focus was, is and will be to create mutual benefit through real and equal partnership.”

Click here to view full text of the Ambassador’s Speech

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Embassy of Israel