Narendra Modi in Israel to meet ‘friend’ Netanyahu

bySaif Khalid Narendra Modi makes historic visit to Israel, the first by an Indian PM, as two nations move to further boost ties. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Israel on a three-day historic visit - the first by an Indian prime minister. The visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992. India recognised Israel in 1950 nearly two years after the Jewish nation declared inde- pendence, but it took New Delhi 67 years to establish diplomatic ties with the Middle Eastern nation. Earlier on the day of the meeting, Indian English language daily The Times of India published a joint editorial opinion article written by Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu highlighting the collaborations between the two countries. “India and Israel are walking hand in hand into the future as partners,” the editorial said. Ties between the two nations have become more “visible” since Modi became prime minister in 2014 and Israeli ambassador to India Daniel Carmon said the “landmark” visit will focus on issues of economic development, innovation, agriculture, water and establishing a better connection between the people of the two countries, as well as defence. Modi is set to hold talks with Netanyahu, whom he calls his friend and is likely to address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset.