Narendra Modi will be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel. India and Israel on Wednesday announced his upcoming visit from July 4-6, wherein Modi will have detailed discussions with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on matters of mutual interest and will also call on President Reuven Rivlin.
The Ministry of External Affairs said that elements of Modi's programme in Israel include homage to Indian soldiers at the Indian Cemetery in Haifa and address to the Indian community in Tel Aviv. About 4,000 Indian Jews living in Israel are expected to attend the community event.
"India established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992 and since then the relationship has evolved into a multi-dimensional partnership. This year both the countries are commemorating 25 years of diplomatic relations and visit of PM will provide an impetus for deeper bilateral engagement in areas of mutual interest," MEA said.
Extending a warm welcome to Modi, Israel termed it a significant visit. "The significant visit, the first of an Indian Prime Minister to Israel, takes place on the backdrop of marking 25 years of diplomatic relations between India and Israel, and will further upgrade the ever growing partnership between the two countries," the Israel embassy spokesperson in India, Avigail Spira said on Wednesday.
There is a lot of enthusiasm in Israeli Government with regard to Modi's visit and it is learnt that Netanyahu has kept three days exclusively for the Indian PM's visit.
During a recent statement made in Tel Aviv University, Netanyahu mentioned Modi as his friend and said he is looking forward to receive him. Cyber security, water desalination, agriculture, defence and security are some of the areas where India and Israeli have deep cooperation.