Chandigarh [India], August 19 (HBTV): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday announced that the state will deepen cooperation with Israel in research, healthcare, agricultural technology, advanced irrigation systems, artificial intelligence, and wastewater management.

The announcement came after a meeting with Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, at Sant Kabir Kutir in Chandigarh, where both leaders discussed avenues to expand bilateral collaboration. They highlighted the potential of establishing a Centre of Excellence in Haryana to promote innovation and technology-driven growth across priority sectors.

The Chief Minister also drew attention to the state’s Integrated Aviation Hub in Hisar, noting its potential as a hub for international partnerships and economic development. A significant focus of the discussions was youth empowerment through overseas employment opportunities. Saini said more than 180 young people from Haryana are currently working in Israel under placement programmes facilitated by the Department of Foreign Cooperation, and added that Haryana is keen to contribute talent to Israel’s healthcare sector amid its demand for 5,000 nurses from India.

Both sides also explored the possibility of setting up a Global Artificial Intelligence Centre in Haryana to train youth in modern AI technologies, support start-ups, and promote innovation. The adoption of Israeli expertise in advanced irrigation and wastewater recycling was another priority, with the Chief Minister stressing the benefits for Haryana’s agricultural sustainability.

Saini reiterated Haryana’s commitment to international cooperation, noting that the Department of Foreign Cooperation has been instrumental in securing overseas jobs and strengthening the state’s export capacity. Concluding the meeting, the Chief Minister presented Ambassador Azar with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita as a gesture of cultural goodwill. (ANI)