Israeli President Reuven Rivlin meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photo: Mark Neiman/GPO.

JNS.org – Israeli President Reuven Rivlin reaffirmed the strong relations between the Jewish state and India in meetings with the leaders of the South Asian country during a state visit Tuesday.

“I have no doubt that my trip here will help the ties and the cooperation between our two peoples grow stronger in security and our ability to keep our people safe, in agriculture, in water, in technology, in culture and in education,” Rivlin said in a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

In his remarks, Modi noted the threats of terrorism and extremism both countries face, and the need for increased international collaboration to combat these forces “with resolve and determination.”

“President Rivlin and I deeply value our strong and growing partnership to secure our societies,” Modi said. “We agreed to intensify our cooperation to combat the forces of extremism and radicalization that threaten all peace-loving nations.”

Earlier Tuesday, Rivlin also met with his Indian counterpart, Pranab Mukherjee, at the president’s residence in New Delhi. Last year, Mukherjee became the first Indian president to visit Israel.

“Israel and India have a firm alliance of two peoples with impressive pasts,” Rivlin told Mukherjee. “I am hopeful that my visit will serve to deepen the ties between us and your wonderful people, with whom we have so much in common.”

Rivlin also visited the tomb of the late Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, where he laid a wreath and sprinkled customary petals on the tomb.