laying the foundation of a new chapter in relations with Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his “ground-breaking” visit on Tuesday, receiving an extraordinary welcome by the Jewish nation.
The personal chemistry and the warmth between Modi and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was apparent in their remarks and their hugs.
Reflecting the importance that Israel is according to the first visit by an Indian PM since Israel’s establishment 70 years ago, the host nation pulled out all stops to welcome Modi — Netanyahu broke protocol to come to the Ben Gurion airport, an honour reserved only for the US President and the Pope. Netanyahu’s entire Cabinet was also present as were representatives of various religious orders to receive Modi.
In their prepared speeches, both leaders described each other as, “my friend” and embraced each other three times. “Aapka swagat hai, mere dost (welcome, my friend),” Netanyahu said in Hindi, adding, “We love India.” Modi responded by speaking a few words in Hebrew, “Shalom (hello), I am happy to be here.”
Behind the overt affection and friendship, lies deep political significance as India for the first time has delinked its relationship with Israel from its traditional support to Palestine.
later in their joint statement, Modi said, “We must oppose evils of terrorism, radicalism and violence.”
On his part, Netanyahu said the two countries must stand together to fight the menace of terrorism.
Modi said that those who believe in humanity and civilised values must come together and defend it at all costs as he called for resolutely opposing the evils of terrorism, radicalism and violence that has plagued the world.
“Yad Vashem is a reminder of the unspeakable evil inflicted generations ago,” Modi said in a press statement along with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.
Modi, who laid a wreath at the Yad Vashem Memorial museum and paid tributes to over six million Jews killed by Nazi Germany, said the memorial is a tribute to “your unbreakable spirit to rise above the depths of tragedy, overcome hatred and forge ahead to build a vibrant democratic nation.”
But, India now hopes to leverage its relationship with Israel to attract more investment, and gain from Israeli cutting-edge technology and defence.
“It is truly a historic visit," said Netanyahu while welcoming Modi who was wearing a cream colour 'band gala' suit and a dark blue handkerchief in the pocket.
At the start of the three-day visit, Modi was also accorded a Guard of Honour after an Israeli military band played the national anthems of the two countries.
Hailing Modi as “a great leader of India and a great world leader”, Netanyahu said, “we have been waiting for the last 70 years” for a visit by an Indian PM.
They vowed to give a push to the bilateral relationship in all aspects and jointly deal with the common threats like terrorism. “I remember what you told me in our first meeting — when it comes to India and Israel relations, the sky is the limit. But now, Prime Minister, let me add even sky is not the limit. We are also cooperating in space,” Netanyahu told Modi.
Talking about the vast possibilities of cooperation between the two countries, he said, “We can do even more, even better together.”
Speaking later, Modi said, “It is my honour to be the first ever Indian PM to undertake this ground-breaking visit to Israel.” He said his visit was about the strength of the two societies and their strong partnership.
“Building a strong and resilient relationshp with Israeal will be my intent and focus...We have to secure our societies against the common threat of terrorism,” Modi said.
“Together, we can do even more and even better (for India-Israel ties),” he added.
Noting that India is an old civilisation but a young nation, Modi said, “We have a talented and skilled youth, who are our driving force.”
Describing Israel as an “important development partner”, he said, “This is an exciting journey that we will undertake together, for the good of our people and our society.”
Modi said his visit celebrates the strength of centuries-old links between the two societies and “based on these bonds, our partnership has mantained a strong and sustained upswing since the establishment of full relationship, diplomatic relations, 25 years ago.”