In a first, Modi to visit Israel in June
Visit marks 25 yrs of diplomatic ties
Jerusalem, Feb. 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s muchanticipated visit to Israel could take place in mid-2017 in what would be the first such tour by an Indian Premier to the Jewish state, as the two countries mark 25 years of their diplomatic ties.
India’s ambassador to Israel, Pavan Kapoor, told a news portal about the visit and mentioned efforts to boost defence cooperation with Israel, which is looking to set up manufacturing units in India under ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Informed sources said that the dates for Modi’s visit have not been finalised but “it is likely to happen in June-July of 2017.”
Modi’s visit is being discussed amid talks of a “close chemistry” between him and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
India-Israel ties have steadily progressed since the two countries established diplomatic relations in January 1992 but India has shied away from such high-level visits in the past.
However, BJP-led governments seem to have accorded a greater priority to this relationship with President Pranab Mukherjee visiting Israel in October 2015 in what was the first such visit by an Indian Head of State to Israel.
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin made a reciprocal visit last year at Mukhejee’s invitation. It was the second visit by an Israeli Head of State to Delhi. The only visit of an Israeli Prime Minister to India was in 2003, when Ariel Sharon visited New Delhi. Yet, bilateral ties have been on an upward trajectory, irrespective of the governments in power in New Delhi.
The two leaders have met twice on foreign soil on the sidelines of UNrelated events and are said to be in touch with each other over the phone.