Shimon Peres was the first Israeli foreign minister to visit India. Relations between the two nations were raised to ambassadorial level in early 1992. During his visit, Mr. Peres met with the foreign affairs, finance, agriculture and commerce ministers of the government of India. He signed an economic Memorandum of Understanding with India's commerce minister. The visit heralded closer cooperation between Israel and India, estranged for many years. It was followed by visits to Israel by leading ministers from India.
On his visit to India, Foreign Minister Shimon Peres was received by Indian Foreign Minister Dinesh Singh who said: "Many in India have waited for many years for your visit..." During a working meeting headed by Indian Deputy Foreign Minister R.L. Bhatia, issues of possible cooperation were discussed. It was decided to examine cooperation between India and Israel in aid activities to the Moslem countries of the CIS. It was also decided to examine cooperation between the two countries in the development of expansive and zones in India, via the use of international credit sources. The Indian minister noted that, in his country, there is great admiration for the accomplishments of Israel (particularly in the area of agriculture).
Foreign Minister Peres welcomes Indian involvement in the multilateral negotiations. The Indian minister expressed a willingness to assist with regard to the Arab world; Mr. Peres asked that this find expression in clarifying the fate of navigator Ron Arad, and in Indian votes within international forums. Mr. Singh promised to investigate the Ron Arad matter and to assume a more balanced position vis-a-vis Israel.
Mr. Peres also held a meeting with Agriculture Minister Balram Jakhar, who told him of having been impressed by the Agritech exhibition. The Indian minister asked, among other things, to institutionalize inter-university ties relating to desert [research]. The Indian minister will come to Israel in July to continue the dialogue. During a meeting with Finance Minister Manmohan Singh, Mr. Peres emphasized that the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries will enable the actual realization of cooperation. Mr. Peres signed an economic memorandum of understanding with the Indian commerce minister, wherein the intent to cooperate on solar energy and in other fields is noted. Also signed between the Israeli and Indian foreign ministers were agreements on consultation and scientific/ technological cooperation.
Accompanying Mr. Peres was a delegation of Israeli economic figures who held meetings, as well as an economic symposium with scores of leaders from major Indian firms, and a reciprocal visit to Israel has already been decided upon. Danny Gillerman, president of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, estimates that the potential for economic cooperation between Israel and India - in commerce and joint projects - could reach $1 billion within three years.
Mr. Peres also visited the synagogue in Delhi, and was received by children waving Israeli flags and by trumpet blasts.