Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday signed the official guestbook at the Knesset in Chagall Hall during his ongoing two-day state visit to Israel. He also laid a wreath and paid floral tributes at the Israeli Parliament.
Accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, PM Modi greeted a group of enthusiastic children waving Indian and Israeli flags and interacted with them, as several youngsters excitedly took selfies with him. On his arrival at the Knesset, the Prime Minister was welcomed with loud applause and chants of “Modi! Modi!”
Earlier, shortly after arriving in Israel, PM Modi said he had an “excellent meeting” with Prime Minister Netanyahu, during which they discussed a wide range of issues aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. He said he was “deeply touched by the warm welcome extended by my friend, PM Netanyahu,” and added in a post on X, “May the India-Israel friendship continue to soar higher!”
In another post, PM Modi said, “Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Expressed gratitude to him for the warm welcome earlier in the day. It is a delight to be back in Israel after 9 years. We discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties. Sectors such as technology, water management, agriculture, talent partnership and more offer immense scope for close collaboration. We also discussed key developments in the region.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu described the visit as historic, saying, “My wife Sara and I welcomed today our good friend, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, who has arrived for another historic visit to Israel. Prime Minister Modi previously visited Israel in 2017, and I later paid a reciprocal visit to India that was truly exceptional. We share a close personal relationship, speak often, and I believe that the deep friendship between us powerfully reflects on the ties between our two countries.”
PM Modi received a warm and vibrant welcome on his arrival in Israel, marked by colourful Indian cultural performances and an enthusiastic reception from members of the Indian diaspora. Cultural showcases featuring music and dance from different parts of India were organised to mark his visit, highlighting the diversity of Indian heritage.
During his two-day visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and address the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. The visit underscores the robust and multifaceted strategic partnership between India and Israel, reflecting expanding cooperation across diplomatic, technological and cultural domains.
(ANI)
