New York:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York on Sunday in the first high level meet between the two nations since Mr Modi swept to power earlier this year.
The prime ministers of the two nations met on Sunday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly to discuss cooperation in areas ranging from agriculture and water management to defence and cyber-security.
The "sky is the limit" for relations between the two countries, Benjamin Netanyahu told Mr Modi, The Jerusalem Post reported.
"We are two old people, some of the oldest civilizations on earth. But also two democracies, proud of our tradition, but also eager to seize the future," Netanyahu said according to the Israeli newspaper. "I believe that if we work together it will be for the benefit of both our peoples."
Mr Netanyahu invited Mr Modi to visit Israel- which he has visited as the chief minister of Gujarat,
In discussing defence relations, Mr Modi told Netanyahu about his 'Make in India' initiative and pointed out that 49 percent investment was possible in defence industries, Syed Akbaruddin, the External Affairs Ministry spokesman said. Cooperation in cyber-security was also discussed.
Modi made a pitch for Israeli investments and they discussed boosting bilateral trade that now stands at about 6 billion US dollars.
Israel has developed methods and technologies for farming in arid land and for water management. Mr Modi wanted more cooperation in these areas, Akbaruddin said.
Mr Modi also wanted Israel to work with India in water management and solid waste treatment in urban areas as part of his vision for smart cities.
Mr Netanyahu briefed Mr Modi on how Israel perceives developments in West Asia.