Israeli, Indian PMs agree to combat terrorism together

July 5 (UPI) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed bilateral agreements Wednesday, notably one to jointly combat terrorism.

The signing of seven agreements came on the second day of talks between the two leaders, during Modi's first trip to Israel. India and Israel established diplomatic relations 25 years ago, and observers noted Modi will not meet with Palestinian leaders on his trip. The visit, and the new strategic partnership between the two countries, is seen as a turning point in India-Israel relations, the BBC reported Wednesday.

The two prime ministers spoke of strong commitments to combatting terrorism in all forms.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu and I agreed to do much more together to protect our strategic interests, and also cooperate to combat growing radicalization and terrorism, including in cyberspace," Modi said.

India, with its large Muslim population and reliance on oil imports from Arab countries and Iran, has until now been wary of close ties with Israel, the BBC noted.

Netanyahu, who feted Modi's delegation with a state dinner and red-carpet treatment beyond normal diplomatic protocols, called the meetings historic.

"This is a marriage made in heaven but we're implementing it here on earth," Netanyahu said.

The prime ministers also signed agreements on water conservation, agriculture and space technology. They also announced a $40 million technological innovation fund for cooperation in industrial development.