In a big boost to Indo-Israel cooperation in hi-tech sector, New Delhi has granted Jerusalem permission to open a consulate in Bangalore.

Welcoming the move, Israel's foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, expressed his gratitude to his Indian counterpart, S M Krishna, here on a two day visit, emphasising that the move will give a big push to the burgeoning Indo-Israel trade ties.

"It is a wonderful news coming at a time when the two countries are celebrating 20 years of establishment of diplomatic relations", Lieberman said.

Senior representatives from the Israeli hi-tech sector, many with offices in Bangalore, also welcomed the move saying that it will help cut down a lot of costs and time required to travel to other places for bureaucratic purposes.

Israel already has a consulate in Mumbai and its embassy is located in New Delhi.