Israel told visiting Indian officials Monday it backs India’s becoming a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Israel told visiting Indian officials Monday it backs its becoming a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, where the Palestinian Authority lacked only vote to win its bid for full membership in the international body.

The PA was backed by eight nations, one short of the needed- two-thirds majority to approve the request and allow it come to a vote before the pro-Arab General Assembly, where the Palestinian Authority was assured of a solid majority. Adding India to the Security Council would give Israel more support in anti-Israel motions.

India’s Foreign Minister S. M. Krishna met with President Shimon Peres Monday in a visit that is being headlined in India. It was the first time in a decade that an Indian Foreign Minister has toured Israel.

President Peres described India as the “greatest democracy on earth” and said Israel wants New Delhi to become a permanent member of the expanded United Nations Security Council.

“For us India is first of all a culture.” the President said. “Then it is for us the greatest democracy on earth and then the unbelievable achievement of overcoming poverty without becoming poor in freedom.”

He called Mahatma Gandhi a “prophet” and former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru a “king.”

Krishna complimented President Peres, calling him “a statesman of caliber,” and thanked Israel for being an inspiration for India becoming self-sufficient in food production.

Indian-Israeli trade ties, especially in the area of defense, have increased significantly in recent years.

Krishna is to meet with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman Tuesday for discussions on counterterrorism, security, agriculture and technology,

Prior to arriving in Israel, Krishna met with his Jordanian counter part Nasser Judeh in Amman on Sunday.