President of Israel, Rivlin to visit India

This state visit by an Israeli President is the first in nearly 20 years, taking place in reciprocity to the October 2015 visit by President Mukherjee, and symbolizing the growing partnership between India and Israel.

During his visit, Rivlin will meet President Mukherjee, Prime Minister Modi and other government officials in Delhi. The President will also travel to Mumbai and inaugurate the Agro Tech conference in Chandigarh alongside President Mukherjee.

President Rivlin will head business and academic delegations including 15 heads of Israeli universities as well as Israeli companies, some of which are already active and successful in India.

The visit will focus on strengthening the ever growing economic ties between India and Israel in the fields of agriculture and water, and promoting academic cooperation pursuing the MOU signed by President Mukherjee in Israel in 2015.

The visit will include meetings with Indian government officials, business representatives and heads of universities in New Delhi, a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra and the adjacent Israeli water treatment plant “Aqwise”, a visit to the Indo-Israeli Agricultural Project’s Center of Excellence in Karnal, the inauguration of Agro Tech 2016 in Chandigarh, and meetings with Indian industry representatives and the Jewish community in Mumbai.

Upon receiving the Ambassador of India to Israel in August, President Rivlin said: "The Indian and Israeli peoples have a lot in common; we know how to respect tradition and to be ready to learn and bring innovation to our lives for the benefit of our peoples and the whole world."

When President Rivlin met PM Modi in Singapore in March 2015, the former said: “The excellent relations between our countries are based upon strong foundations, two states which share common values, and are first and foremost, thriving democracies.”

Ambassador of Israel in India, Daniel Carmon said: “President Rivlin’s visit to India is an important event which signifies the growing and sustainable relations between our two countries. It is part of a historical process, and the next chapter is enhancing cooperation on agriculture, water and education; from defence and security to food security.”