In a symbol of strengthening ties between the two countries, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday warmly welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived in Tel Aviv on a two-day state visit.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu shared a video of Prime Minister Modi’s arrival on social media platform X and said, “My dear friend Narendra Modi, welcome to Israel.”
The post also included a “Namaste” emoji along with Indian and Israeli flags, underscoring the personal ties between the two leaders. The visit began at Netanyahu’s invitation with the aim of further strengthening the “strong and multidimensional strategic partnership” between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi was given a guard of honor on his arrival at Ben Gurion Airport.
Reflecting the close personal relationship between the two leaders, Netanyahu along with his wife Sara Netanyahu personally welcomed the Prime Minister and the two leaders greeted each other with a warm embrace.
Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar was also among the high-level officials present to welcome Prime Minister Modi.
Before his departure, Prime Minister Modi described the visit as an opportunity to further deepen bilateral relations.
“India and Israel share a strong and multidimensional strategic partnership, which has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years,” his statement said, highlighting the direction of relations.
The Prime Minister said he looked forward to discussions with his Israeli counterpart with a view to enhancing cooperation in various fields.
Earlier, the expectations of the visit were clearly visible, as there was a familiar bustle on the streets of Jerusalem. Tricolor flags were fluttering in front of shops, community leaders were hosting receptions, and conversations in Hindi were echoing in neighborhoods where there is a significant Indian community.
During the much-awaited visit, the Prime Minister will meet President Isaac Herzog and will also address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so.
Before his historic address to the Israeli Parliament, Prime Minister Modi will hold a brief meeting with Netanyahu today.
This sentiment of mutual respect was also reiterated by Israeli President Herzog, who had earlier expressed his eagerness for Prime Minister Modi’s visit, saying that the country and its people are eager to welcome him.
In a post on X, Herzog shared Prime Minister Modi’s farewell statement, which contained a heartfelt message underlining the close ties.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the State of Israel and the people of Israel look forward to welcoming you to Israel,” he wrote.
