Red carpet welcome for Modi in Israel
The personal chemistry and the warmth between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was apparent in their remarks and their hugs
TEL AVIV: 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 impor- tance that Israel is according to the first visit by an Indian prime minister 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 U.S. President and the Pope; Netanyahu’s entire Cabinet was also present as were representatives of various religious orders.
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.
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 prime minister.
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 Indian prime minister.