New Delhi: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian premier Narendra Modi met in New Delhi on Monday. The Israeli premier hailed this visit as the beginning of a new era of friendship between the two nations.
In his statement Netanyahu thanked the Indian Prime Minister Modi and said, “Prime Minister Modi, thank you for your remarkable hospitality. You are a revolutionary in the true sense of the term. You are revolutionizing India; you are catapulting this magnificent state into the future.”
On Modi’s historic Israel visit he said, “You are the first leader from India who has visited the sovereign state of Israel in 3,000 years… Your visit was truly historic.”
Nine deals were signed at following Netanyahu and Modi’s private meeting including Memorandums of Understanding in the fields of gas, oil, renewable energy and cyber security.
In addition, a joint industrial research and development deal and an update to an aviation agreement were signed, as were agreements in health and space exploration.
The meeting at Hyderabad House will be followed by meetings between Israeli trade representatives and their Indian counterparts.
Netanyahu’s six-day visit, which began on Saturday, marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations.
Prior to the meeting Netanyahu visited the memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat.
“Such grandeur and simplicity in honor of modern India’s founding father, one of the world’s great spiritual leaders. In deep friendship and respect,” read Netanyahu’s personal message written at the memorial in New Delhi.
Business is one of the main areas of focus and Netanyahu is accompanied by 130 Israeli businesspeople representing some 100 companies working in diverse sectors like cybersecurity, military, water, energy, agriculture, health and food industries.
PM Netanyahu will also meet a group of senior Indian businesspeople in Mumbai.
On Sunday, Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat met with his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval to discuss security ties between the two countries, including the sale of Spike missiles, which was cancelled by India last year.
Along with these collaborations, India and Israel government is together also launching an R&D fund of $40 million which will support businesses from both the countries.
PM Netanyahu will leave for Ahmedabad on the morning of 17 January and he will visit Sabarmati Ashram. Modi and he will also visit the Center of Excellence in Vadrad and inaugurate a Center of Excellence for date palms in Bhuj via video conference.
