India’s Modi in Israel on historic three-day visit
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Israel on a historic three-day visit – the first by an Indian prime minister.
The historic visit that started with firm handshakes, hugs and a smattering of Hindi and Hebrew, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders that will focus on cooperation on defence, security, water and more.
The two leaders are also expected to deliver a strong message against terrorism in their joint statement.
The visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992.
Mr Modi, who recently said India and the Jewish state share a “deep and centuries-old” connection, is expected to agree military and cyber security deals.
Mr Modi called the visit “ground-breaking” as he was met at the airport by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They will have dinner this evening ahead of formal talks on Wednesday.
After Israel was established in 1948, Mumbai’s Marathi-speaking Jews gradually migrated to the homeland. While the community lost much of its clout in the post-Independence era, modern Mumbai owes a lot to the small community.
Mumbai’s Jewish connection was repeatedly stressed by Israeli consul-general David Akov, who mentioned an interesting tidbit during his meeting with the press on Tuesday: Outside of India, the largest Marathi speaking population lives in Israel. Akov also called Israel the land of innovation and technology for Maharashtra.
Earlier on the day of the meeting, Indian English language daily The Times of India published a joint editorial written by Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu highlighting the collaborations between the two countries.
