You Are A Great Leader: Netanyahu Praises PM Modi At Start Of Israel State Visit

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warmly received Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The visit marks the start of a two-day State Visit to Israel.

In a notable diplomatic gesture, Netanyahu and First Lady Sara Netanyahu personally welcomed the Indian leader at Ben-Gurion Airport.

“You are a great leader,” Netanyahu declared as he embraced Prime Minister Modi on the tarmac.

The exchange reflected the established camaraderie between the two statesmen.

The Israeli Prime Minister also engaged in light-hearted conversation. He remarked that Prime Minister Modi’s pocket square perfectly complemented Sara Netanyahu’s saffron attire.

Prime Minister Modi later expressed gratitude for the warm reception.

In a message posted on X, he stated that he felt honoured to be welcomed by his Israeli counterpart and Mrs Netanyahu. He affirmed his anticipation of substantive bilateral discussions aimed at reinforcing the India-Israel friendship.

This marks Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to Israel since 2017. During that earlier trip, Netanyahu also received him at the airport, underscoring the personal rapport that has shaped bilateral ties over the past decade.

During the current visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold comprehensive talks with Prime Minister Netanyahu and meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog. He will also address the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so.

According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Israel remains a vital partner for India across strategic and technological sectors.

Cooperation spans science and technology, defence, agriculture and innovation. The partnership rests on mutual trust and converging priorities in emerging technologies.

Prime Minister Modi emphasised in his departure statement that India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership. He expressed confidence that discussions would advance collaboration in water management, trade, investment, defence and people-to-people exchanges.

PM Modi will also interact with the Indian diaspora, acknowledging their role in nurturing bilateral goodwill.

Prime Minister Modi said the visit would consolidate enduring bonds between the two countries. He further added that it would set fresh objectives for the Strategic Partnership and promote a resilient and prosperous shared future.

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