Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding delegation-level talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in New Delhi. During the talks, both the leaders will discuss host of issues including defence cooperation, trade, innovation, counter terrorism, agriculture and water harvesting. Several MoUs are expected to be signed in different areas after the talks. Mr Netanyahu will also call on President Ram Nath Kovind in the evening.
Mr Netanyahu was given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those present during the ceremony. Talking to reporters after the ceremony, Israel Prime Minister said, his visit to New Delhi is the dawn of a new era in friendship between India and Israel.
Mr Netanyahu said, it began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Israel that created tremendous enthusiasm. Mr Netanyahu said, it continues with his visit to India. He added that the flourishing partnership can bring prosperity, peace and progress for the people of both the countries.Later, Mr Netanyahu laid wreath at Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi at Raj Ghat.
It is the first visit of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to India. He yesterday arrived on a six-day visit. The visit of Mr Netanyahu is in connection with the celebration of 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Mr Modi had visited Israel in July last year. The bilateral relationship was upgraded to strategic level with special focus on agriculture and water.
Tommorrow, Mr Netanyahu will inaugurate the third edition of the annual Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. During his stay, the Israeli Prime Minister will also visit Agra, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
After welcoming the visiting leader at the airport yesterday, Mr Modi accompanied Mr Netanyahu to Teen Murti Memorial in New Delhi where they paid homage to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their life to liberate Haifa in 1918. The ceremony also marked the formal renaming of Teen Murti Chowk as the Teen Murti Haifa Chowk. Later, Mr Modi welcomed Mr Netanyahu and his wife Sara at his official residence.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also called on the visiting dignitary last evening.