New Delhi: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived here Sunday on a “historic” six-day visit during which he will hold extensive talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, who received him at the airport, setting aside protocol.
Modi welcomed Netanyahu with a hug upon his arrival. “Welcome to India, my friend PM @netanyahu! Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations,” Modi tweeted in English and Hebrew.
Netanyahu, who arrived here with his wife Sara, and a high-level business delegation, tweeted, “We have landed in India. Thank you to my good friend Narendra Modi for the warm welcome!”
Ahead of his departure from Israel, Netanyahu said, “We are strengthening ties between Israel and this important global power (India).”
“This serves our security, economic, trade and tourism interests, as well as many other areas. This is a great blessing for the state of Israel,” he said.
According to Israeli officials, Netanyahu was pleasantly surprised by Modi welcoming him at the airport.
“I very much appreciate the gesture,” Netanyahu was quoted as saying by officials. Modi and Netanyahu are known to share a warm personal rapport.
During Modi’s visit to Israel last year, Netanyahu had received the Indian prime minister at the airport. Netanyahu’s visit to India is only the second by an Israeli Prime Minister and comes after a gap of 15 years. Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon had visited India in 2003.
Modi and Netanyahu later attended a ceremony to rename Teen Murti Chowk in central Delhi as Teen Murti-Haifa Chowk. They also laid a wreath and signed the visitor’s book at the memorial.
The three bronze statues at Teen Murti represent the Hyderabad, Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers who were part of the 15 Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade.
PTI
