Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on a six-day visit during which he will hold extensive talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, who received him at the airport, setting aside protocol.
Ahead of his departure from Israel, Mr. Netanyahu said, “We are strengthening ties between Israel and this important global power [India].”
“This serves our security, economic, trade and tourism interests, as well as many other areas. This is a great blessing for the state of Israel,” he said.
Here are the latest updates:
Netanyahu accorded ceremonial welcome
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hand with Isreali Prime Minister Netanyahu during a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on Monday. Mr. Netanyahu's wife Sara is also seen in the picture. | Photo Credit: V. Sudershan
Mr. Netanyahu was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavanm in New Delhi on Monday. Mr. Modi was among those present during the ceremony.
"It began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Israel, which created tremendous enthusiasm that continues with my visit here, which, I must say, is deeply moving for me and my wife and the entire people of Israel," Mr. Netanyahu said after the ceremony.
"And, I think, it helps us flourishing our partnership to bring prosperity, peace and progress for both our people," he added.
Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Modi are expected to discuss a variety of subjects related to bilateral relations and the global situation.
'One UN vote can’t change our relations'
Dubbing the India-Israel relationship as a “marriage made in heaven”, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that even though Israel was “disappointed” by India’s vote at the UN against the Jerusalem issue, one negative vote will not affect the ties.
Mr. Netanyahu said he hoped that his visit to India will strengthen cooperation between the two countries in various areas like technology,agriculture and other spheres that are changing the world.
PM hosts dinner for Netanyahu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a private dinner for his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and wife Sara at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence in New Delhi on Monday night.
“Delighted to welcome Mrs. Netanyahu and PM @netanyahu to 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. @IsraeliPM,” Mr. Modi tweeted.
The two leaders also attended a ceremony to rename Teen Murti Chowk as Teen Murti-Haifa Chowk, after the Israeli city of Haifa.
Sushma Swaraj meets Netanyahu
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday called on Mr. Netanyahu and discussed various aspects of the Indo-Israel ties aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership.
According to a statement by Mr. Netanyahu’s media adviser, the Israeli Prime Minister told Ms. Swaraj that there is a lot of enthusiasm for improving ties not only in the meetings at the level of government and leaders, but also among the people of the two countries.
“We are here in India on a historic visit. It is important for the state of Israel that one of the major powers [India] wants to develop close relations in many areas — economics, trade, security and agriculture,” the statement quoting Mr. Netanyahu as saying during his meeting with Ms. Swaraj.
The two also had a discussion on the work done by the two countries in combating terror.
PM welcomes Netanyahu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Mr. Netanyahu and his wife Sara at the airport on Sunday, setting aside protocol. Mr. Modi welcomed Mr. Netanyahu with a hug upon his arrival.
“Welcome to India, my friend PM @netanyahu! Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations,” Mr. Modi tweeted in English and Hebrew.
(With inputs from Agencies)