Many in Israel consider Gandhi a Prophet, says Peres

"It is laudable the way India has managed its unity in diversity. There is a lot for everybody to learn in co-existence from one of the most ancient cultures of the world. Well, Wisdom never ages", Peres told a group of visiting parliamentarians from India, led by Congress MP Naveen Jindal.

Peres also touched upon his reverence for the Father of India and said his teachings of non-violent coexistence were for everybody to admire and practice.

"Mahatma Gandhi who led India's national movement, is not only an inspirational leader for me but a transformational one who brought in revolutionary ideas of non-violent coexistence.

"Many in Israel see him as a Prophet. The teachings in tolerance is a model for everybody to admire and practice," the elder Statesman said while expressing his fondness for Indian society and culture.

He also expressed satisfaction at with the way bilateral relations with India have shaped since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, stressing at the common menace of terror faced by both the countries.

Jindal, on his part, said Israel's remarkable progress despite being afflicted by violence was admirable.

"We have always admired how Israel has handled terror and still made a remarkable progress in science and technology emerging leaders in the field of IT, agriculture, homeland security, water management and several other cutting edge technologies", Jindal told the Israeli President.

The group of young parliamentarians from various parties include Naresh Gujral, Kalikesh N Singh Deo, Jayant Chaudhary, Prakash Javadekar and Sanjay Jaiswal.

The group also called upon Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer and would be meeting opposition leader Tzipi Livni among many others.