Our Correspondent / New Delhi
The visiting Israel Prime minister Benjanim Netanyahu today hailed Prime minister Narenda Modi saying he had revolutionised the relationship between the two countries.
In his opening remarks after the delegation level talks, Mr Netanyahu said India and Israel demonstrate the intrinsic value of freedom. Saying India and Israel share an ancient past, the visting prime minister said both the countries are resilient democracies.
Prime minister Narendra Modi said discussion between him and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu was wide ranging. In his opening remarks after the delegation level talks, Mr Modi said he has invited Israeli companies in defence sector in India to take advantage of liberalised FDI norms. He said the leader agreed to scale up centres of excellence in fields of horticulture and agriculture. Mr Modi said an Indian culture centre will be opened in Israel. Saying Mr Netanyahu’s visit here is extra-ordinary and it was an anticipated moment and fitting climax to 25th year of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Meanwhile India and Israel today exchanged nine agreements for cooperation in different areas including cyber security, oil and gas, space and science and technology, civil aviation, information and broadcasting and health.
The agreements were exchanged after delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu held delegation level talks in New Delhi this afternoon. During the talks, both the leaders discussed host of issues including defence cooperation, trade, innovation, counter terrorism, agriculture and water harvesting.
Mr Netanyahu was given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those present during the ceremony. Talking to reporters after the ceremony, Israel Prime Minister said, his visit to New Delhi is the dawn of a new era in friendship between India and Israel. Mr Netanyahu said, it began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Israel that created tremendous enthusiasm. Mr Netanyahu said, it continues with his visit to India. He added that the flourishing partnership can bring prosperity, peace and progress for the people of both the countries.
It is the first visit of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to India. He yesterday arrived on a six-day visit. The visit of Mr Netanyahu is in connection with the celebration of 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Mr Modi had visited Israel in July last year. The bilateral relationship was upgraded to strategic level with special focus on agriculture and water.
Tommorrow, Mr Netanyahu will inaugurate the third edition of the annual Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. During his stay, the Israeli Prime Minister will also visit Agra, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
After welcoming the visiting leader at the airport yesterday, Mr Modi accompanied Mr Netanyahu to Teen Murti Memorial in New Delhi where they paid homage to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their life to liberate Haifa in 1918. The ceremony also marked the formal renaming of Teen Murti Chowk as the Teen Murti Haifa Chowk. Later, Mr Modi welcomed Mr Netanyahu and his wife Sara at his official residence. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also called on the visiting dignitary last evening.