Prime Minister Modi's Historic Visit to Israel: Strengthening Ties and Cooperation
Modi's State Visit to Israel
Jerusalem, Feb 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced a two-day official visit to Israel, with President Isaac Herzog expressing the anticipation of the Israeli people for his arrival.
In a message shared on X, Herzog remarked, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the State of Israel and the people of Israel look forward to welcoming you to Israel." This statement followed PM Modi's own announcement on X, where he expressed eagerness for his discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, focusing on enhancing collaboration across various sectors and addressing regional and global matters.
This marks PM Modi's second visit to Israel, following his 2017 trip that paved the way for advancements in defense, agriculture, and water management.
In his departure message, PM Modi highlighted the strong and diverse Strategic Partnership between India and Israel, which has seen significant growth in recent years. He stated, "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, defense and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties."
Additionally, he mentioned plans to discuss regional and global issues of mutual concern with Netanyahu.
During his visit, PM Modi is scheduled to meet with President Herzog to deliberate on bilateral matters.
"I will also have the honor of being the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset, which symbolizes the strong parliamentary and democratic connections between our nations," he noted.
PM Modi expressed his enthusiasm for engaging with the Indian diaspora, who have long fostered the special friendship between India and Israel.
"I am confident that my State Visit will further solidify the enduring ties between our two countries, establish new objectives for our Strategic Partnership, and promote our shared vision for a resilient, innovative, and prosperous future," he added.
On Sunday, PM Modi acknowledged Netanyahu's personal tribute during a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, where the Israeli Prime Minister referred to him as a "dear friend" and hailed the upcoming visit as a significant milestone in their bilateral relationship.
In response to a video shared by Netanyahu on X, PM Modi stated, "Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu. I completely agree with you regarding the bond between India and Israel and the diverse nature of our bilateral relations. India highly values its enduring friendship with Israel, founded on trust, innovation, and a mutual commitment to peace and progress. I look forward to our discussions during my upcoming visit to Israel."
Netanyahu had posted a video from the cabinet meeting on X, emphasizing PM Modi's visit as a historic occasion that underscores the strength of the India-Israel alliance.
He articulated a vision for a broader "axis of nations" in the Middle East, an alliance of like-minded countries united against radical forces and dedicated to stability, security, and technological progress.
Highlighting his personal connection with PM Modi, Netanyahu remarked on their frequent communications and visits, referring to the Indian leader not just as a partner but as a "personal friend."
Detailing PM Modi's agenda in Israel, Netanyahu stated, "On Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive. He will address the Knesset, and I am sure you will all be there. We will also hold an innovation event in Jerusalem and visit Yad Vashem together. I would also like to mention a special collaboration. We will advance cooperation in high-tech, AI, and quantum technologies. I emphasize AI and quantum not because they are the future, but because they are the present, and we aspire to be among the world's leading nations in these fields."