Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday left for Israel, the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Jewish nation. He will discuss with his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu the common challenges like terrorism and ways to boost economic ties.
Mr. Modi will be in Israel till July 6 before travelling to Hamburg to attend a G-20 summit on July 7-8.
In Israel, he will meet President Reuven Ruvi Rivlin and address the CEOs of the two countries as well as the Indian diaspora. He will visit the Yad Vashem Memorial Museum to honour the memory of the victims of the holocaust that counts among the greatest tragedies in human history. He will also pay his respects to the courageous Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the liberation of Haifa in 1918.
“I begin a historic visit to Israel, a very special partner of India’s... As the first Indian prime minister to do so, I am greatly looking forward to this unprecedented visit that will bring our two countries and people closer,” Mr. Modi said in a statement on Monday.
“I look forward to holding extensive talks with my friend, @IsraeliPM @netanyahu, who shares a commitment for vibrant India-Israel ties,” he tweeted.
The Prime Minister said he would have “in-depth talks” with Mr. Netanyahu “on the full spectrum of our partnership and strengthening it in diverse fields for mutual benefit. We will also have the chance to discuss major common challenges like terrorism.”
This year marks 25 years of diplomatic relations between India and Israel.
“My programme during the visit gives me an opportunity to engage with a cross-section of Israeli society. I am particularly looking forward to interacting with the large vibrant Indian diaspora in Israel that represents an enduring link between our two peoples,” Mr. Modi said.
On the economic side, he said, “I will join with leading Indian and Israeli CEOs and start-ups to discuss our shared priority of expanding business and investment collaboration on the ground.”
“I look forward to engaging leaders from other G-20 countries on the vital issues affecting our world today that have a bearing on economic growth, sustainable development, and peace and stability,” he said.
“We will review progress on decisions since the Hangzhou Summit last year and deliberate on issues of terrorism, climate, sustainable development, growth and trade, digitalisation, health, employment, migration, women’s empowerment, and partnership with Africa,” Mr. Modi said.
