India and Israel are pledging greater cooperation in counterterrorism and trade.

Indian Foreign Minister S. M. Krishna said Tuesday that the two countries will have to work out a strategy on how to address the “scourge of international terrorism which has become the curse for the entire humanity.”

Krishna made the comments during a visit to Israel, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Officials from the two countries were working on a proposed free trade agreement.

Prime Minister Netanyahu praised bilateral relations Tuesday, saying India and Israel are “two ancient peoples seizing the future in technology, in innovation, [and] in enterprise.” He said the two countries can seize the future “even better” by increasing cooperation.

India and Israel have worked together in the areas of science, technology and agriculture since establishing diplomatic ties 20 years ago.