Members of a nongovernmental economic delegation from India said here that they would recommend that India sign a technical assistance agreement with Israel to benefit from this country’s achievements in rendering arid zones arable. The delegation, sponsored by the Bharatiya Agiro Industries Foundation, a public institution fostering India’s agricultural development, returned to New Delhi Saturday night after a seven day visit in Israel.
Their stay here was largely unpublicized. But the delegates toured the country and met with Deputy Premier Yigal Allon, Finance Minister Pinhas Sapir and top officials of various other ministries, industries, scientific and agricultural institutions. India has no diplomatic relations with Israel. But the foundation which sponsored the tour is headed by India’s Minister of Finance. An agreement such as suggested by the delegates would be between voluntary organizations rather than the two governments. According to one of the visitors, Mafatlal Desai, it would require a green light from the New Delhi government.
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