New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to India on Friday after a historic two-day official visit to Israel. Let us tell you, this was PM Modi’s first visit in nine years. During this period, both the countries elevated their mutual relations to a special strategic partnership.
In this visit, 27 agreements were signed in different sectors including innovation, cultural exchange, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, economic cooperation, diplomacy and security. PM Modi also announced that India and Israel will soon sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). They also announced the establishment of a Critical and Emerging Technology Partnership to deepen cooperation in the field of high-tech and innovation. PM Modi reiterated his intention against terrorism, and clearly said that India and Israel are clear that there is no place for terrorism in the world. Terrorism cannot be accepted in any form.
He said that both the countries will stand shoulder to shoulder against terrorism and its supporters. He said that peace and stability in West Asia is directly related to India’s security. Emphasizing India’s continued support for dialogue and peaceful resolution in the region, PM Modi stressed efforts to reduce tensions. He particularly welcomed the Gaza Peace Plan as a path to peace and said that India fully supports such efforts aimed at bringing back stability and humanity should never become a victim of war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described PM Modi’s visit as ‘wonderful’, ‘very beneficial’, and ‘very heart-touching’, even though the visit was of short duration. He praised the emotional impact of PM Modi’s speech in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, last day. While thanking Netanyahu, he said that Israel is ‘a huge debtor’ to India for its everlasting friendship. He also shared a personal anecdote about enjoying a ‘wonderful meal’ at an Indian restaurant in Tel Aviv with his wife Sara before the wedding, which reveals a personal aspect of their relationship.
The Israeli leader highlighted the potential for “brilliant talent” and a “meeting of minds and hearts” between the two countries, and expressed confidence that this relationship will continue. He announced plans for a government-to-government (G2G) meeting in India soon, and hoped to bring together prominent ministers for further talks.
