Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on a six-day visit during which he will hold extensive talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, who received him at the airport, setting aside protocol.
Mr. Netanyahu's visit to India is only the second by an Israeli Prime Minister and comes after a gap of 15 years. Ahead of his departure from Israel, Mr. Netanyahu said, “We are strengthening ties between Israel and this important global power [India].” “This serves our security, economic, trade and tourism interests, as well as many other areas. This is a great blessing for the state of Israel,” he added.
On Sunday, Mr. Modi and Mr. Netanyahu attended a ceremony to rename Teen Murti Chowk in central Delhi as Teen Murti-Haifa Chowk. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also called on the Israeli Prime Minister. Later, Mr. Modi hosted a private dinner for Mr. Netanyahu and his wife Sara.
Here are the latest updates:
"New areas" of India-Israel cooperation
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was moved by the gesture of naming Teen Murti Chowk as Teen Murti Haifa Chowk, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said during a press briefing.
Mr. Gokhale touched on the various issues that were discussed between the two Prime Ministers. "Oil and gas sector and cyber security will be new areas of India-Israel cooperation," he said.
'Big data' will be used to improved agriculture cooperation with Israel, said Mr. Gokhale, adding that 'Big data' from India was brought up by Israel to influence individual farmer's efforts, yield, water use. "India's agriculture ministry to discuss 'big data' use with Israel soon," he said.
India and Israel will also hold conference on women working in the fields of science, maths, technology, Secretary Gokhale added.
Defence cooperation was discussed between two leaders, but the details are not be shared, ourcorrespondent Kallol Bhattacharjee reports Secretary Gokhale as saying.
"The Palestinian issue was discussed. India explained the Indian position on Jerusalem and Palestine. The India-Israel dialogue [will] not [be] influenced by single issue," Mr. Gokhale said.
India, Israel ink nine pacts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu prior to their meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday.
India and Israel on Monday inked nine pacts to boost cooperation in key areas, including cybersecurity and energy. The agreements were signed after extensive talks between Mr. Modi and Mr. Netanyahu for bolstering bilateral ties in strategic areas. The two Prime Ministers, accompanied by their respective senior Cabinet colleagues, held delegation-level talks during which they also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The nine pacts were signed in the areas of cybersecurity, petroleum, air transport, research in homoeopathy, film co-production, space science, business investment, metal-air batteries and solar thermal technology.
After the meeting, Mr. Modi and Mr. Netanyahu addressed a joint press conference at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
Highlights of Mr. Modi’s speech:
“I have a reputation for being impatient in getting results.
“Agriculture, science & technology and security are pillars of the India-Israel ties.
“Indian cultural centre will be opened soon in Israel.
“I welcome the large business delegation Mr. Netanyahu has brought with him.”
Highlights of Mr. Netanyahu’s speech:
“You [Narendra Modi] are a revolutionary leader.
“Jews of India never faced persecution here. India and Israel show democracy works.
“Israel achieves more with less. Israel and India are working together to revolutionise agricultural sector with precision agriculture.”
On a lighter note, Mr. Netanyahu said, “Any time you want to do a Yoga class, I will join.”
Modi, Netanyahu hold talks
Mr. Modi on Monday held delegation-level talks with Mr. Netanyahu during which they discussed a range of key issues including defence, trade and terrorism.
During Mr. Netanyahu's visit, Israel and India are expected to sign agreements on cybersecurity, energy and space cooperation, according to the External Affairs Ministry.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Netanyahu proceeded to Raj Ghat and laid a floral wreath at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.
A large Israeli business contingent is travelling with Mr. Netanyahu and on Monday evening the Israeli PM will attend the India-Israel CEO Forum Meeting.
Netanyahu accorded ceremonial welcome
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hand with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu during a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on Monday. Mr. Netanyahu's wife Sara is also seen in the picture.
Mr. Netanyahu was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday. Mr. Modi was among those present during the ceremony.
"It began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Israel, which created tremendous enthusiasm that continues with my visit here, which, I must say, is deeply moving for me and my wife and the entire people of Israel," Mr. Netanyahu said after the ceremony.
"And, I think, it helps us flourishing our partnership to bring prosperity, peace and progress for both our people," he added.
Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Modi are expected to discuss a variety of subjects related to bilateral relations and the global situation.
'One UN vote can’t change our relations'
Dubbing the India-Israel relationship as a “marriage made in heaven”, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that even though Israel was “disappointed” by India’s vote at the UN against the Jerusalem issue, one negative vote would not affect the ties.
Mr. Netanyahu said he hoped that his visit to India would strengthen cooperation between the two countries in various areas like technology,agriculture and other spheres that were changing the world.
PM hosts dinner for Netanyahu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a private dinner for his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and wife Sara at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence in New Delhi on Monday night.
“Delighted to welcome Mrs. Netanyahu and PM @netanyahu to 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. @IsraeliPM,” Mr. Modi tweeted.
The two leaders also attended a ceremony to rename Teen Murti Chowk as Teen Murti-Haifa Chowk, after the Israeli city of Haifa.
Sushma Swaraj meets Netanyahu
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday called on Mr. Netanyahu and discussed various aspects of the Indo-Israel ties aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership.
According to a statement by Mr. Netanyahu’s media adviser, the Israeli Prime Minister told Ms. Swaraj that there is a lot of enthusiasm for improving ties not only in the meetings at the level of government and leaders, but also among the people of the two countries.
“We are here in India on a historic visit. It is important for the state of Israel that one of the major powers [India] wants to develop close relations in many areas — economics, trade, security and agriculture,” the statement quoting Mr. Netanyahu as saying during his meeting with Ms. Swaraj.
The two also had a discussion on the work done by the two countries in combating terror.
PM welcomes Netanyahu
Mr. Modi received Mr. Netanyahu and Ms. Sara at the airport on Sunday, setting aside protocol. Mr. Modi welcomed Mr. Netanyahu with a hug upon his arrival.
“Welcome to India, my friend PM @netanyahu! Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations,” Mr. Modi tweeted in English and Hebrew.
(With inputs from Agencies)
