New Delhi, Nov 6 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday reiterated India's desire to expand and strengthen cooperation with Israel in both traditional and new areas.

During a meeting with former Israeli president Shimon Peres, Modi lauded the immense contribution of Peres to the world polity and development of India-Israel relations, in particular, an official release said here.

The prime minister recalled his visit to Israel as the Gujarat chief minister, following which he had promoted the use of drip irrigation in the state and also set up an incubation centre to support start-up companies with Israeli collaboration.

Modi reiterated India's strong desire to further expand and strengthen its relationship with Israel, both in traditional as well as in new areas of cooperation.

Peres congratulated the prime minister on his victory in the elections.

He expressed deep appreciation for the ambitious programmes launched by Modi for India's economic and social transformation which, he said, struck the right balance between respect for tradition and use of modern technology.

The former Israeli president said India's development and growth will be beneficial to the entire world.

He conveyed Israel's readiness to partner with India in its development efforts and in this context called for greater collaboration in the areas of new and higher technologies.