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| Edited By: DNA Web Team |Source: DNA webdesk |Updated: Sep 05, 2017, 07:28 PM IST
Laying the foundation of a new chapter in relations with Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his "ground-breaking" visit today, receiving an extraordinary welcome by the Jewish nation. The personal chemistry and the warmth between Modi and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were apparent not only in their prepared remarks but also their repeated hugs.
Reflecting the importance that Israel is according to the first visit by an Indian prime minister since Israel's establishment 70 years ago, the host nation pulled out all stops to welcome Modi -- Netanyahu broke protocol to come to the Ben Gurion airport, an honour reserved only for the US President and the Pope; Netanyahu's entire Cabinet was also present as were representatives of various religious orders. In their prepared speeches, both leaders described each other as, "my friend" and embraced each other three times.
"Aapka swagat hai, mere dost (welcome, my friend)," Netanyahu said in Hindi, adding, "We love India." Modi responded by speaking a few words in Hebrew, "Shalom (hello), I am happy to be here."
Also read: 'Moshe is a symbol of the challenges faced by India and Israel'
Behind the overt affection and friendship, lies deep political significance as India for the first time has delinked its relationship with Israel from its traditional support to Palestine. But, India now hopes to leverage its relationship with Israel to attract more investment, and gain from Israeli cutting-edge technology and defence. "It is truly a historic visit," said Netanyahu while welcoming Modi who was wearing a cream colour 'band gala' suit and a dark blue handkerchief in the pocket.
At the start of the three-day visit, Modi was also accorded a Guard of Honour after an Israeli military band played the national anthems of the two countries. Hailing Modi as "a great leader of India and a great world leader", Netanyahu said, "we have been waiting for the last 70 years" for a visit by an Indian prime minister. They vowed to give a push to the bilateral relationship in all aspects and jointly deal with the common threats like terrorism. "I remember what you told me in our first meeting - when it comes to India and Israel relations, the sky is the limit. But now, prime minister, let me add even sky is not the limit. We are also cooperating in space," Netanyahu told Modi. Talking about the vast possibilities of cooperation between the two countries, he said, "We can do even more, even better together."
Also Read: Modi in Israel: PM and Netanyahu hit off right from the beginning
Speaking later, Modi said, "It is my honour to be the the first ever Indian prime to undertake this ground-breaking visit to Israel." He said his visit was about the strength of the two societies and their strong partnership. "Building a strong and resilient relationshp with Israeal will be my intent and focus...We have to secure our societies against the common threat of terrorism," Modi said. "Together, we can do even more and even better (for India-Israel ties)," he added. Noting that India is an old civilisation but a young nation, Modi said, "We have a talented and skilled youth, who are our driving force."
Describing Israel as an "important development partner", he said, "This is an exciting journey that we will undertake together, for the good of our people and our society." Modi said his visit celebrates the strength of centuries-old links between the two societies and "based on these bonds, our partnership has mantained a strong and sustained upswing since the establishment of full relationship, diplomatic relations, 25 years ago
Watch: PM Modi in Israel | #DNA brings you the flavors of Israel
With Agency inputs
PM:Common objectives of eco prosperity,strong tech & innovation ties &need to secure our societies define space fr convergent action b/w us
— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 4, 2017
PM:Our focus on using tech&innovation to meet our dev priorities provides productive scope to expand academic scientific&research&biz links
— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 4, 2017
PM: We also want to put in place a robust security partnership to respond to shared threats to our peace, stability and prosperity.
— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 4, 2017
PM closes:I will work with PM @Netenyahu to craft&build a clear action agenda to realise these objectives.Sincere gratitude for warm welcome
— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 4, 2017
PM Modi in his speech says Yad Vashem is a reminder of the horrors of past. PM Modi says Yad Vashem tells us that those who believe in humanity must come together and defeat terror at all cost. We must resolutely oppose the evils of radicalism, terrorism and violence at all cost.
Earlier Benjamin Netanyahu said PM Modi had a glimpse of their painful past and promising future in Israel. Netanyahu mentions how Ramanujan was the greatest mathematician of the 20th century, an example of great talent India possess.
Netanyahu says they believe in the partnership of talent, and both seek better future for their people. Netanyahu says both of them are 'tireless reformers' and hailed PM Modi for reforms undertaken to change India's economy.
Netanyahu says he is inspired by PM Modi's enthusiasm for yoga. Netanyahu dubs India and Israel as 'two sister democracies'.
Netanyahu says that they face common challenges, and most important is forces of terror that threatens the entire world. Netanyahu says they share a bond of democracy and creativity, deep respect for the past and boundless optimism for the future.
PM Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu are now giving press statements.
We believe we can together do great things for betterment of future of our people: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu during press statement pic.twitter.com/5khB4Ip5vO
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 4, 2017
We also face common challenges, first of it is to defeat forces of terror. Need to stand and work together: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu pic.twitter.com/StgiyyYAoO
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 4, 2017
PM Modi says Israel feel like home away home. He says his visit is to celebrate ancient bond between two countries. PM mentions several Jews who have contributed greatly to public life in India. PM Modi mentions how both countries need to take strong action to overcome the perils of terror.
PM Modi explains how both countries can jointly travel towards path of shared peace and prosperity.
Israel: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits grave of Benjamin Ze'ev Herzl in Jerusalem. #ModiInIsrael pic.twitter.com/xoBnQ8uQFn
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 4, 2017
Prime Minister Narendra Modi signs Visitors' Book at Yad Vashem, memorial to victims of the Holocaust, in Israel #ModiInIsrael pic.twitter.com/l82RY9t3ml
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 4, 2017
PM Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu currently paying their respect to victims of Holocaust.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute, lays wreath at Yad Vashem, memorial to victims of the Holocaust, in Israel. #ModiInIsrael pic.twitter.com/WKxkxpi5dg
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 4, 2017
Earlier PM visited Danziger flower farm.
Reaffirming potential of deeper cooperation in Agriculture!
— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 4, 2017
PMs visit Danziger Flower farm-a leading facility for R&D in plant varieties pic.twitter.com/4Krb4lUu25
PM Modi now visiting Holocaust memorial.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Yad Vashem, memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, in Israel. #ModiInIsrael pic.twitter.com/Pagwft7jzv
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 4, 2017
In another special gesture, @IsraeliPM @netanyahu accompanied PM @narendramodi to the flower farm. pic.twitter.com/h1uqt06rc1
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 4, 2017
Crysanthumun flower will be named in honour of PM @narendramodi. The flower will be called 'Modi.' pic.twitter.com/4qLALtxHzP
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 4, 2017
#WATCH Live via ANI FB and Periscope shortly: PM Modi's visit to Yad Vashem, memorial to the victims of the Holocaust #ModiInIsrael. pic.twitter.com/9N10ZaBo91
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 4, 2017
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Danziger Flower Farm, in Israel #ModiInIsrael pic.twitter.com/8BR7flMRDY
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 4, 2017
PM Modi is now visiting Danziger flower farm. He is taking a tour of the entire facility. He is accompanied by Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
Hello Israel! Today I begin a special & historic visit with the aim of further strengthening the relations between India and Israel. pic.twitter.com/q8mfeaciIu
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2017
PM just tweeted some pictures from his Israel visit.
PM:Today marks 41 years of Oper'n Entebbe:Where ur PM & my friend,Bibi, lost his brother Yoni,while saving lives of so many Israeli hostages
— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 4, 2017
Am confident of our success because of our leadership. PM Modi, you are a great world leader: Netanyahu.
— DNA (@dna) July 4, 2017
PM interacting with community leaders in the airport.
According to foreign journalists in Israel, there is a palpable excitement about PM Modi's visit.
Partners for peace and prosperity, partners for a better future for humanity...PM @netanyahu welcomes PM @narendramodi to Israel. pic.twitter.com/mZgl8pAqz2
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 4, 2017
India is an old civilisation but young nation. We have a talented and skilled youth, who are our driving force: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 4, 2017
PM Modi mentions several areas of convergence like in technology where both countries can combine.
He says terrorism will be a big focus of his dialogue with Israel PM. PM Modi says that he is also keen on interacting with Indian diaspora.
Marking the visit as path-breaking, PM says that they will look to establish a resilient relationship between two countries.
PM Modi is now speaking. PM says it is his singular honour to be the first ever PM of India to undertake ground breaking visit to Israel. He says that he wants to thank Netanyahu for receiving with so much warmth. Modi says that it is a testament of share heritage and culture. PM Modi says that people of Israel has built a nation with democratic principle and has marched on regardless of adversities and converted threats into opportunities.
It's a grand welcome ceremony for PM Modi.
A great chemistry already in display between Modi and Netanyahu. According to experts, it is rare for Netanyahu to show so much warmth.
Benjamin Netanyahu welcomes PM Modi as 'mere dost'. Says Israel has been waiting for them for last 70 years. He says they love India, admire their culture and spirits.
Netanyahu says when they first met in UN three years ago, they agreed to break the walls between two countries. He says in the very first meeting, PM Modi said sky is the limit when it comes to India-Israel relationship. Netanyahu says that even their space programme is achieving great heights. Israel PM says that it is a meeting of mind and hearts of two countries. Netanyahu says Modi's Make in India with his Make With India policy.
#WATCH: PM Narendra Modi arrives in Israel in the first-ever visit to the country by an Indian PM, received by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu pic.twitter.com/mCWD1UDMTD
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 4, 2017
#Israel rolls out the red carpet for Indian PM Narendra #Modi. #ModiInIsrael pic.twitter.com/QFoCMCzh27
— WION (@WIONews) July 4, 2017
PM being given ceremonial reception. The Indian national anthem is being played.
#Breaking: Indian PM Narendra #Modi lands in #Israel & is welcomed by Israel's PM #Netanyahu . #ModiInIsrael pic.twitter.com/b9Vouug2MM
— WION (@WIONews) July 4, 2017
PM Narendra Modi arrives in Israel in the first-ever visit to the country by an Indian PM pic.twitter.com/UDwLMfKFaL
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 4, 2017
PM Modi's plane has reached Tel Aviv. Benjamin Netanyahu and other dignitaries are present there for welcoming PM. This is first visit of Indian PM to Israel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel shortly, welcome ceremony to take place. pic.twitter.com/Cg0cTjYHrK
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 4, 2017
PM expected to land at around 6.30 PM IST. He will visit visit an agricultural farm today before dinner with Israel PM Netanyahu.
Modi will be received by Netanyahu at the airport. This is a special gesture only accorded to the Pope or the US president.
The Israeli prime minister will also host a dinner for Modi today. Netanyahu will accompany Modi to most of the events, including the community reception on July 5.
Here are the big focus from PM Modi's three-day Israel visit.
From cyber security to agriculture, science and technology to defence and education to irrigation, the list of agreements that India and Israel plan to ink during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-day visit to Israel is long.
However, authoritative sources told DNA that the most important agreements that India hopes to sign during the high-profile visit include setting up of a multi-million dollar — US $40 million possibly — Indo-Israel Fund, an agreement on cyber security cooperation and a defence deal which will entail Israel providing missiles and drones, including the transfer of technology, to India. Read More
Terror also likely to be big focus:
Asserting that both India and Israel suffer from the 'evil' forces of terrorism, the Jewish nation has said it completely supports New Delhi in its fight against terror emanating from Pakistan and within the country.
"Israel has never hidden the fact that it supports India hook, line and sinker on the subject of terrorism," the deputy director general of Israel's foreign ministry, Mark Sofer, told reporters.
