India and Israel Sign Landmark MoU on Public Sector Auditing
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India and the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) of Israel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in public sector auditing. The agreement was formalized on June 24, 2026, following a high-level meeting in New Delhi.
According to an official release, Matanyahu Englman, State Comptroller and Ombudsman of Israel and President of the European Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (EUROSAI), led a delegation to the Office of the CAG of India. The visit included a bilateral meeting between Englman and K Sanjay Murthy, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, culminating in the signing of the MoU.
Framework for Enhanced Cooperation
The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration between the two Supreme Audit Institutions. Key areas of cooperation include the exchange of professional knowledge, methodologies, technical expertise, training opportunities, and best practices in public sector auditing. The release emphasized that the agreement aims to promote transparency, accountability, good governance, and innovation in public administration.
Discussions also covered the feasibility of organizing bilateral seminars alternately in India and Israel. These seminars would facilitate the exchange of professional expertise, experiences, and innovative practices in areas of mutual interest, further deepening the partnership.
Focus on Artificial Intelligence in Auditing
As part of the visit, Englman delivered a lecture under the Dr BR Ambedkar Lecture Series on the theme "Artificial Intelligence in Public Sector Auditing: Advanced Applications, Performance Auditing and Innovative Tools in Modern State Auditing." The lecture highlighted the transformative potential of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and data analytics, in enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of public sector audits.
Drawing on the experience of the Office of the State Comptroller and Ombudsman of Israel, Englman shared insights on leveraging innovative technologies to strengthen public oversight, improve accountability, and address emerging governance challenges. According to the release, the lecture underscored the shared commitment of both institutions to innovation in public administration.
Delegation and Attendees
The bilateral meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides. From SAI India, participants included KS Subramanian, Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General; BK Mohanty, Chief Technology Officer; and Vimalendra Patwardhan, Director General. The Israeli delegation comprised Reuven Azar, Ambassador of Israel to India, and Miri Weiss, Head of the International Department, Office of the State Comptroller and Ombudsman of Israel.
The release noted that the engagement reaffirmed the cordial relations between India and Israel, with both institutions expressing a strong commitment to furthering cooperation in public sector auditing.
