Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held wide-ranging talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu aimed at boosting bilateral ties besides regional issues, shortly after he arrived in the Jewish nation for a two-day State visit.
Photo: ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held wide-ranging talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu aimed at boosting bilateral ties besides regional issues, shortly after he arrived in the Jewish nation for a two-day State visit.
In a post on X after a brief one-on-one meeting, PM Modi said, “Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Expressed gratitude to him for the warm welcome earlier in the day. It is a delight to be back in Israel after 9 years. We discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties. Sectors such as technology, water management, agriculture, talent partnership and more offer immense scope for close collaboration. We also discussed key developments in the region.”
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It is understood that the two leaders also discussed other critical issues like defence, security and counter-terrorism.
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“Deeply touched by the warm welcome extended by my friend, PM Netanyahu. May the India-Israel friendship continue to soar higher!”, PM Modi said in another post on X.
The meeting between the two Prime Ministers was held at the Ben-Gurion International Airport shortly after PM Modi’s arrival in the country. In a special gesture, on arrival at the airport in Tel Aviv, Modi was received by Netanyahu and his spouse Sara Netanyahu and accorded a ceremonial welcome.
“You are a great leader,” said Netanyahu after the two leaders exchanged a warm hug at the tarmac.
A small yet striking detail drew attention as the leaders interacted with each other.
PM Netanyahu pointed to the matching colour of the pocket square of Prime Minister Modi and the outfit of Sara Netanyahu. “That’s saffron,” PM Modi said with a smile.
PM Modi was wearing a traditional Indian attire consisting of a cream-coloured kurta with white churidar. He layered a neatly tailored grey, patterned half-jacket along with the saffron pocket square.
Sara Netanyahu chose a saffron pantsuit.
During their interaction with PM Modi, speaking about India, Sara Netanyahu said, “wonderful country.” PM Netanyahu joined in and said, “He (PM Modi) is a wonderful leader”.
The warm bond between the two leaders was evident at the welcome for PM Modi at the airport.
Following the arrival ceremony, the two Prime Ministers held a brief one-on-one meeting.
At the hotel, the Prime Minister was accorded a warm and enthusiastic welcome by the members of the Indian community and the representatives of the Jewish Indian diaspora.
The reception was marked by vibrant cultural performances by Indian and Israeli artistes, symbolising the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi stated that he is honoured to have been received by Israeli counterpart and his wife at the airport and is looking forward to holding talks and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the friendship between two nations.
“Landed in Israel. I am extremely honoured to be received by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs Netanyahu at the airport. I look forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship,” PM Modi posted on X.
PM Modi last visited Israel in 2017, a trip which opened new avenues in defence, agriculture, and water management cooperation between the two countries. Netanyahu had also welcomed PM Modi at the airport in 2017.
Earlier in his departure statement ahead of his two-day State visit to Israel, the prime minister stated that he is looking forward to his engagements with Netanyahu, aimed at further strengthening cooperation in various sectors and discussing regional and global issues. “India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties,” he said.
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