India, Israel sign homeland security agreement

New Delhi: India and Israel on Thursday signed a slew of agreements on cooperation in legal assistance and public and homeland security.

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"We believe that these agreements are another important platform for the cooperation between our countries and we would like to express our appreciation for the leadership of the Ministry of Home Affairs in this regard," the Israeli embassy said in a release.

It said Israel views these agreements as a part of ongoing efforts by both countries in the war against terror.

The agreements are based on the shared determination to protect their citizens, their assets and their interests.

"Today is an important day. The agreements that were signed are a fine example of our substantial and equal partnership with India," said Israel's Minister of Public Security Yitzhak Aharonovich.

"The various types and forms of threats the two countries face make this cooperation an indispensable one. Terror is a global threat and only through cooperation between allies can peace-seeking countries overcome such threats."

Israel's Ambassador to India Alon Ushpiz said: "The unconditional commitment we share with India to protect the lives of our citizens is the bedrock of these agreements."

"By joining hands in this important field, whether it is through technology or through investment in the crucial human resource, we will be able also to better ensure the continuing development of our societies and economies," he added.