New Delhi: Amid border tensions with China in Eastern Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday reviewed the defence ties with his Israeli counterpart Benny Gantz.
Both the leaders also discussed the Covid-19 situation and steps being to combat the spread.
Had a telephone conversation with the Defence Minister of Israel, Mr. Benny Gantz and reviewed the progress on defence cooperation between both the countries.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 24, 2020
We also discussed the prevailing COVID-19 situation and how we can fight against this menace through mutual cooperation
In a tweet, Mr Singh said, “Had a telephone conversation with the Defence Minister of Israel, Mr. Benny Gantz and reviewed the progress on defence cooperation between both the countries. We also discussed the prevailing COVID-19 situation and how we can fight against this menace through mutual cooperation.”
Dialling up the 🇮🇳🇮🇱defence diplomacy, Alternate PM and Defence Minister of Israel Mr. Benny Gantz called Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to review progress on the bilateral defence cooperation, as also joint efforts in the fight against #COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/Z4qPaNyDIo
— India in Israel (@indemtel) July 24, 2020
It is pertinent to mention here that India imports critical defence technologies from Israel.
Two weeks back, he also held a telephonic conversation with his South Korean counterpart Jeong Kyeong-Doo with a focus on further ramping up bilateral defence cooperation by launching joint production lines for military hardware and key platforms.
South Korea has also been a major supplier of weapons and military equipment to India for past several years.
Last year, the two countries finalised a roadmap for cooperation in joint production of various land and naval systems.
Besides, he is in regular contact with US Defense Secretary Mark T Esper pertaining to bilateral defence cooperation.
In the recent meetings, they have spoken several times on bilateral defence cooperation and issues of mutual interest.