Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met the Ambassador of Israel, Reuven Azar, at his official residence in Lucknow yesterday. They discussed ways to further strengthen relations between the two countries, with a special focus on Uttar Pradesh. Israel’s help is sought for making Mahakumbh 2025 to be held in Prayagraj more secure, as well as for police modernisation and the use of anti-drone technology.

Akashvani correspondent reports that both leaders spoke about increasing the availability of skilled manpower from UP for Israel. Currently, over 5,000 people from UP are working in Israel. The Israeli delegation said its government is interested in employing more people from the region.

Discussions on collaborating in the areas of drip irrigation and drinking water were also held. At present, UP and Israel are working together on groundwater and drinking water in two locations in UP. Efforts are being made to provide drinking water in Agra in collaboration with Israeli technology and companies.

Currently, two Centres of Excellence are operational in Basti and Kannauj with Israeli support. The Basti centre focusses on fruits, while the Kannauj one is related to vegetables.

Furthermore, setting up centres of excellence for fruits in Kaushambi and for vegetables in Chandauli were also discussed.