India has assured Israel that it would not transfer any acquired military technology to a third country including Iran, defence ministry sources said on Thursday.

Defence Minister George Fernandes gave the assurance as he called on Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Wednesday night.

Complete coverage of Sharon's visit

Israel, which is very sensitive about leakage of military technology developed by it, had in fact wanted New Delhi to extend a commitment to that effect.

A three-member Israeli defence ministry delegation, headed by its Director General Major General Yaron Meyer, had met Fernandes after holding intensive interactions with the armed forces and defence ministry top brass.

According to sources, other issues that figured in Indo-Israeli parleys included the fight against terror. The two countries are of the firm view that no action in pursuance of any political objective through violence is acceptable.

They said New Delhi should overcome its earlier inhibition to talk about growing Indo-Israeli defence cooperation.

The two sides also discussed purchase of military hardware and establishment of joint ventures to produce high-technology weapon systems, the sources said.

The progress in negotiations for purchase of a number of defence equipment from Israel including a possible deal to buy Phalcon Airborne Early Warning system figured in the talks.

Although there are 'no major hurdles' in the sale of Phalcons, price negotiations have to be worked out, they said.

On the issue of the sale of Arrow anti-missile system to India, the sources said a clearance for its purchase has to come from United States as Washington was involved in its development.

Fernandes, who has been invited to visit Israel, has accepted the invitation, they added.