Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Israel on Wednesday to a red-carpet welcome, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu personally receiving the Indian leader at Ben Gurion Airport.
Netanyahu greeted PM Modi with a warm hug, after which the Indian prime minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport, located around 20 kilometres southeast of Tel Aviv.
Adding a light and personal touch to the formal welcome, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pointed out the matching saffron hues of his wife Sara Netanyahu’s dress and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pocket square during their exchange of pleasantries. The comment drew smiles and laughter, underscoring the warmth and easy rapport between the leaders as Modi began his State visit to Israel.
The Indian prime minister will address Israel's parliament later in the day and will have a tete-a-tete with Netanyahu. The two leaders will hold wide-ranging talks on Thursday.
In his pre-departure statement, Modi said he was confident that the visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between India and Israel and set new goals for the strategic partnership.
"India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted strategic partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years," Modi said.
"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, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties," he said.
Modi said he and Netanyahu will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
"I am confident that my State Visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the strategic partnership, and advance our shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future," Modi said.
The prime minister's visit assumed greater significance as it is taking place amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including deteriorating ties between the US and Iran.
There has been an upswing in India-Israel ties in the last few years, including in the areas of defence, scientific research, cybersecurity and innovation.
The defence cooperation has emerged as an important pillar of the partnership between the two sides, with Israel supplying a plethora of military platforms and weapon systems to India.
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