India seeks to strengthen relations with Israel (With Image)

Tel Aviv, April 6 (IANS) India feels there is need to strengthen bilateral relations with Israel which is possible for both the countries through collaborations in research and education sectors.

While meeting Israeli President Shimon Peres here Friday, Indian Minister for Human Resource Development Kapil Sibal said "India and Israel should deepen their relationships by collaborating in research and education".

Sibal is undertaking a six-day official visit to Tel Aviv to review the bilateral relationship between India and Israel on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations.

During their meet, both the leaders also welcomed a partnership reached through establishing a joint research fund of $10 million "as the first step towards a long engagement in the knowledge economy of the future", said a release issued by the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv.

They also opined that the philosophy of teaching and learning must change to enable every child realise his or her creative genius through self-expression.

President Peres emphasised the importance of developments in knowledge to serve the needs of mankind and highlighted India's democratic as well as technological achievements.

The discussions also covered a review of bilateral relations.

Sibal and Peres also discussed the developments in world economy and polity.

During his ongoing visit, Sibal has also held wide-ranging talks with Israeli ministers for Finance, Communication and Education.