Prime Minister Modi received an official reception and a guard of honor at Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Israel on his second state visit, held an “excellent” meeting with his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, even as the two sides discussed a wide range of issues to strengthen bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening, was received by Netanyahu and his wife Sarah at the airport. The Indian Prime Minister received an official reception and a guard of honor at Ben Gurion International Airport.
Follow the latest updates on PM Modi in Israel
Upon landing in Israel, Netanyahu received Modi with a warm hug and a handshake. After exchanging greetings, the Israeli Prime Minister pointed out the matching color of the Indian leader’s pocket square and Sara Netanyahu’s dress, sparking laughter from both sides.
“I had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. I expressed my gratitude to him for the warm welcome earlier today. It is a pleasure to be back in Israel after 9 years,” PM Modi wrote on X.
A video of PM Modi’s welcome was also shared by BJP’s X-Index. “Even as the groups coordinate better than most alliances. Saffron Sync Unlocked: India-Israel Edition,” the BJP post read.
“Excellent” meeting of Prime Minister Modi with Netanyahu
Prime Minister Modi held a special meeting with Netanyahu at the airport after the welcome ceremony, during which he discussed a range of issues aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and key developments in the region.
“We discussed a wide range of topics aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. Sectors like technology, water management, agriculture, talent partnership and others provide tremendous scope for close cooperation. We also discussed key developments in the region,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Read also: How Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Israel will add strength to India’s military might
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi said he looked forward to “engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that will strengthen India-Israel friendship.”
The Prime Minister’s second visit to Israel has taken on greater significance because it takes place amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including rising tensions between the United States and Iran.
The India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of a strategic partnership during his first visit to that country in July 2017.
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