Netanyahu calls Modi’s Israel visit a ‘significant step’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed on Sunday his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Israel, the first by an Indian premier, as a “very significant step” in strengthening bilateral relations that are on a “constant upswing”.

In a big fillip to already robust ties, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to land in Israel on July 4 on a three-day visit.

Netanyahu, while speaking at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting, said, “Next week, the Indian Prime Minister, my friend, Narendra Modi will arrive in Israel, This is a historic visit to Israel. In the 70 years of the country’s existence, no Indian Prime Minister has ever visited and this is further expression of the state of Israel’s military, economic and diplomatic strength.”

“This is a very significant step in strengthening relations between the two countries,” Netanyahu said.

Modi’s visit is aimed at commemorating 25 years of establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Modi will arrive in Israel on July 4 and is likely to meet Netanyahu the same day.

Netanyahu, in his remarks on Sunday, said the Cabinet will approve decisions that will deepen Indo-Israeli ties, beginning with expanding exports and deepening cooperation in agriculture and water.

The two leaders have already met twice on foreign soil on the sidelines of UN-related events.