Reported By:
| Edited By: DNA Web Team |Source: DNA webdesk |Updated: Jul 06, 2017, 12:53 AM IST
People of Indian origin in Israel will get the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards even if they have undergone the compulsory army service here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced tonight.
Addressing the Indian diaspora here at an event which was also attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi also said that direct flights would be launched between Delhi, Mumbai and Tel Aviv to encourage people-to-people contacts. He said an Indian cultural centre would also be opened in Israel, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the Indian diaspora here. He said he had heard about problems being faced by the people of Indian origin in getting the OCI cards.
India and Israel today signed seven agreements to increase cooperation in key sectors like space, agriculture and water conservation after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held in-depth talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed for setting up of USD 40 million worth India-Israel Industrial Research and Development (R&D) and Technical Innovation Fund. Prime Minister Modi said, "we are of one view that together our scientists and researchers would develop, build and implement mutually beneficial solutions in the field". "Our decision to establish a bilateral Technology Innovation Fund worth USD 40 million for research in industrial development will help us in achieving this goal.
"We regard thriving two-way trade and investment flows as the bedrock of a strong partnership. Prime Minister Netanyahu and I agreed on the need to do more in this direction.
Businesses on both sides should take primary lead in such efforts," he said. In the water sector, two agreements were signed to increase cooperation on water conservation and state water utility reform in India.
Modi said that Israel is among the leading nations in the field of innovation, water and agricultural technology and "these are also among my priority areas in India's development". "We agreed that efficiency of water and resource use; water conservation and its purification; productivity increases in agriculture are key areas in deepening our bilateral cooperation," he said. In the agriculture sector, the two countries have agreed for India-Israel Development Cooperation - a three-year work programme in agriculture from 2018 to 2020.
They also agreed for cooperation regarding cooperation in atomic clocks.Besides, separate MoUs were signed on cooperation in GEO-LEO optical link and cooperation in Electric Propulsion for small satellites. Modi also said that during their talks he and Netanyahu agreed to to do much more together to combat terrorism to protect their strategic interests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called on Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties. "The President of Israel welcomed me so warmly, he broke protocol. This is a mark of respect for the people of India," Modi tweeted. Modi, who arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday for a three-day visit, met Rivlin at his residence here and thanked him for the "warm hospitality and friendship".
"It is a privilege to meet President Rivlin again today. I fondly recall his visit to India last November when he charmed us with his affable manner and desire to do more with India," Modi wrote in the guest book at the Presdient's residence. "President Rivlin is admired in India for his unstinting belief and common good of mankind, I thank him for his friendship and his warm hospitality," wrote Modi, who is the first India prime minister to visit Israel.
PM mentions all the young Indians studying in Israel. He says science and technology will be the big bridge between the two countries.
India and Israel can walk together shoulder to shoulder in the field of technology: PM Narendra Modi #IndiaIsraelFriendship pic.twitter.com/RG2Q1xokjA
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2017
Modi says he has got to know that many Indian origin people living in Israel are having problems with OCI and PIO card. He says that if Jewish people don't get OCI card, then the goal of giving it will never be fulfilled.
PM Modi announces Indian origin people who have done compulsory army service in Israel will also get OCI cards from now. Crowd breaks into Modi-Modi chant.
PM says that Indian culture centre will be opened by the government in Israel very soon. PM Modi says India is in heart of the people of Indian origin people in Israel.
He says India and Israel are tied not only by history but also by culture.
PM says flight services will be started between Delhi, Mumbai and Tel Aviv from now.
PM Modi describes several schemes taken to improve the condition of farmers.
Making consistent efforts to double farmers' income by 2022, policies being formulated: PM Modi in Israel #IndiaIsraelFriendship pic.twitter.com/E6o3gaXPkf
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2017
PM Modi explains how different steps have been taken to ensure increased participation of women in the work force. PM says that workers have an universal account number now, which helps them to get money irrespective of location.
PM says Make in India has shocked the entire world and India is becoming a pioneer of Digital revolution.
PM Modi tells the crowd that almost 1200 laws have been abolished in the past three year.
PM Modi explains how labour reforms have been undertaken with a holistic approach. He says how reforms have made labour laws much more easier currently.
PM says today environment clearance can be done very quickly far cry from long delay in the past. He says small companies can get registered within a day. PM Modi says that India can learn from Israel about skill development of youth. He says India needs to take advantage of demographic dividend, with 65% young population. PM Modi says that skill development is a very big focus of his government. He says that entire skill development programme is now brought under one umbrella to ensure skill development in a planned manner with a holistic approach.
PM Modi says training is being imparted keeping in mind the international standards in place. PM mentions schemes like National Apprenticeship training, to train around 50 lakh youth and it cost around Rs 10, 000 crore.
PM Modi explains how tax breaks are being given to employers who are giving tax breaks to youth. PM says that innovation is key to development.
PM says reforms have been taken in insurance and banking sectors. Rules for FDI in Insurance have been relaxed. Steps have been taken to strengthen banking system by bringing in new legislation, says PM Modi.
PM Modi says 'minimum government, maximum governance' motto is being followed by them.
PM says that massive reforms have been undertaken in defence manufacturing and welcomes businessmen from Israel to invest in it. PM says several decisions have been taken in the last three years to improve ease of doing business.
PM Modi says 100% FDI has been allowed in construction sector. He says a regulator has been set up for real estate sector.
PM says that by 2022, which is 75 years of Independence, all people should have houses by then, alongside electricity and water.
PM now laying out how Israel is a pioneer in innovative thinking
PM says his motto is reform, perform, transform. Modi mentions that GST has been started from July 1.
PM Modi says mayors from different cities of Israel have come to attend the function. PM says Mumbai had a Jewish mayor Dr. Elijah Moses nearly 80 years back in 1938.
PM mentions several points of connection between India and Israel. He says a Marathi newspaper My Boli is published from Israel. PM Modi says that Indians coming to Israel have kept their traditions alive. According to PM Modi, Jewish people from India have immensely contributed to growth of Israel.
भारत से आए ज्यूइश समुदाय ने इजरायल के विकास में अहम भूमिका निभाई है: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
PM Modi mentions the contributions of three awardees to Israeli society.
And these are the three Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardees who met the PM today pic.twitter.com/QExwBTPpNP
— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 5, 2017
Israel has shown that more than size, it is the spirit that matters: PM #ModiInIsrael https://t.co/3QmmL5cGBs
— DNA (@dna) July 5, 2017
Our ties with Israel are about mutual trust and friendship: PM #ModiInIsrael https://t.co/3QmmL5cGBs
— DNA (@dna) July 5, 2017
PM Modi shares anecdote about how he chatted with Netanyahu late through the night. He mentions the role of Lt General Jacob in planning Indian Army's strategy during war for Independence of Bangladesh.
PM Modi is now addressing the crowd. He says that it is a matter of pride that an Indian PM has come to Israel for the first time in 70 years. But it is also a matter of question, about why they are meeting after such a long time.
He says that it took 70 long years to finally meet.
PM says he is touched by how Netanyahu has given warm welcome to him throughout this entire tour. PM mentions how Netanyahu is fond of Indian food.
Benjamin Netanyahu is addressing the crowd. He is explaining how both countries are now brothers in arms after period of frozen relationship.
Netanyahu says cooperation will be in multiple fold, but focus will be on youth. He says that Indian students should come to Israel and explore the country in 'curry trip'. Netanyahu repeated what he said before that the relationship between the two countries are made in heaven.
We always remember that there is a human bridge between us, we admire you, respect you, love you: Israeli PM to Indian diaspora pic.twitter.com/ePbnWF86Qj
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2017
We are building future between our two democracies, its a partnership made in heaven but happening right now here: Israeli PM pic.twitter.com/lScLuEyTFD
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2017
PM Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu have arrived for the Indian community event in Tel Aviv.
PM Narendra Modi arrives at Tel Aviv Convention Center with Israeli PM, will address Indian community shortly #IndiaIsraelFriendship pic.twitter.com/qolTKluJN9
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2017
Sukhwinder Singh performing at Tel Aviv Convention Center ahead of PM Modi's Community Event address #IndiaIsraelFriendship pic.twitter.com/u3DDa9U5Vi
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2017
Countdown has started for PM Modi's address to the Indian community.
Cultural programmes precede PM Modi's address to the Indian community at Tel Aviv Convention Center #IndiaIsraelFriendship pic.twitter.com/YAkYDov7Jk
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2017
Jerusalem: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Israeli Museum for Exhibition on Indian Jewish Heritage #IndiaIsraelFriendship pic.twitter.com/YsxCCD4rkf
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2017
PM Modi continues his outreach. PM is scheduled to attend a community event at around 11.30 PM IST .
Living bridges of excellence between #IndiaIsrael. PM meets three Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees from Israel pic.twitter.com/ze1laYZoD8
— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 5, 2017
Stressing consensus on strengthening rlnshp, Leader of Opposition Isaac Herzog calls on PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/fRz8FQczcU
— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 5, 2017
#WATCH PM Modi assures Moshe 'You and your family will get a long term visa for India from my Government' #IndiaIsraelfriendship pic.twitter.com/ZnkFPOVmvw
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2017
You can visit India anytime,will give you & your family long term visa:PM Modi to Moshe the now 11-yr-old survivor of 26/11 attacks pic.twitter.com/oJi7Ky3mo9
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2017
Jaishankar highlights several key issues discussed in bilateral talks. Firstly, it will be on increased collaboration of Israel in Start Up India.
Secondly, will be in the field of cyber-technology. Also terror was a big focus of the discussion, says Foreign Secy.
Agriculture, water, recycling, dairy were sectors discussed during the bilateral talks, says Jaishankar.
He says that there is great scope for mutual cooperation.
Higher education also featured in the bilateral talks, says Jaishankar.
Terrorism, as expected was the big focus of bilateral talks, confirms MEA.
Jerusalem: Dear Mr Modi, I love you and your people in India says Moshe Holtzberg the now 11-year-old survivor of the 26/11 attacks pic.twitter.com/5X7lVrYCSs
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2017
PM Modi meets Moshe Holtzberg, the now 11-year-old survivor of the 26/11 attacks, in Jerusalem; PM Modi asks him to visit India with family pic.twitter.com/2NPD6sjwiH
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2017
MEA briefing currently on. Key collaboration will be on agriculture, water conservation and other related fields, says Foreign Secretary.
Jaishankar says that both countries are extremely optimistic about future growth prospects with mutual support.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets 26/11 survivor ‘Baby Moshe’ in Jerusalem #IndiaIsraelFriendship #ModiInIsrael pic.twitter.com/HYpGhFRZXE
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2017
Israeli PM Netanyahu gave several anecdotes during his speech. He said how he went on a date in an Indian restaurant 30 years ago. He said India and Israel can change the world together. Agriculture, water and health are sectors highlighted by Israel PM where big difference can be made.
Netanyahu said that he and PM Modi have given a timeline of 1st January 2018, to give a concrete strategy of how they can cooperate together.
Israeli PM said that they recognise that they are challenges by horrors of terror and they will they will fight it today.
it's a partnership to seek the good, defend the good, says Netanyahu.
Earlier Israel PM Netanyahu described the relation as marriage made in heaven. He said it's a very emotional moment for him.
Apart from mutual cooperation and cementing bilateral ties, Netanyahu also said that they are willing to extend their cooperation to settling several problems in Africa.
We regard thriving two-way trade and investment flows as the bed-rock of a strong partnership: PM @narendramodi #IndiaIsraelFriendship
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
We also discussed the situation in West Asia and the wider region. It is India’s hope that peace, dialogue and restraint will prevail: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
Prime Minister @netanyahu and I have had productive discussions covering an extensive menu of issues: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
Prime Minister @netanyahu and I agreed to do much more together to protect our strategic interests: PM @narendramodi #IndiaIsraelFriendship
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
7 agreements signed between India and Israel.
#IndiaIsraelFriendship: Exploring New Realms of Cooperation - the two leaders witnessed the exchange of 7 agreements across sectors pic.twitter.com/CrJDXascUd
— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 5, 2017
Both India and Israel have faced terrorism, says PM Modi. PM says that they have decided to cooperate closely to combat terror, especially in the cyber space. West Asia was also discussed, says PM Modi.
PM says that both countries share common bond. Modi says that people to people interaction has increased significantly in the recent past.
PM Modi mentions Haifa, place where 44 Indian soldiers laid their life during World War 1. PM Modi says he will travel to Haifa tomorrow to pay his respect to the slain soldiers.
PM invites Netanyahu to travel to India which was readily accepted by the Israeli PM.
PM Modi says that he is thankful for the warm worlds of welcome and exceptional generosity shown. PM says that he is touched by the welcome given by Netanyahu's family. He says in modern journey their path has been different but they share a common belief in democracy. This visit is opportunity to start a new chapter in the future of both countries. PM Modi says their goal is to build a relationship that reflects their share priorities.
PM Modi says Israelis are leading in field of technology,water, agriculture etc, which are key areas of focus in India too. PM Modi says together scientists and researchers would built mutually beneficial innovation, hence a comprehensive fund has been set up for joint research.
Exchange of agreements between India and Israel, in Jerusalem #ModiInIsrael pic.twitter.com/PuvNqyVlBy
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2017
Exchange of agreements between India and Israel including three on space cooperation #IndiaIsraelFriendship
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2017
Taking yesterday's discussions forward. PM @narendramodi and PM @netanyahu meet for restricted talks in Jerusalem. pic.twitter.com/ytZbz7pkcB
— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 5, 2017
Expanding perspectives. PM @narendramodi and PM @netanyahu before start of restricted talks pic.twitter.com/Wf2FIZZAzY
— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 5, 2017
PM Modi recalls President Rivlin's visit to India; says he feels warmth of whole Israel and that he sees a reflection in Israel of what you saw in India.
'I' for 'I' is India for Israel, and 'I' with 'I' is India with Israel. Indians feel that 'Israel' means 'Israel is a real friend': PM Modi
► President Rivlin describes PM as one of the greatest democratic leaders at present, and recalls his warm discussion with world leaders about India.
► President Rivlin recalls his visit to India in Nov 2016 and seeing a strong nation with strong ideas and clear goals and tasks.
The President of Israel welcomed me so warmly, he broke protocol. This is a mark of respect for the people of India: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/r6eFdlrYwz
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
Beginning the morning with the First Citizen! Day 2 in Jerusalem starts with PM Modi calling on President Rivlin, tweets MEA
