PM Narendra Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu at Tel Aviv Convention Centre.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on Monday for his three-day visit. He is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel, making it a historic trip. PM Modi met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin in Tel Aviv. The leaders are
seeking to strengthen India-Israel relationship on a range of areas including defence and technology. Wide-ranging delegation-level talks have been held between the two countries to enhance India-Israel ties in security, agriculture, water, energy and defence, among others. PM Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu also discussed measures to counter terrorism and increase cooperation in sharing of intelligence in this regard. Economic, cultural and people-to-people ties are being discussed and a number of agreements have been signed between India and Israel.
Here is the live coverage of PM Narendra Modi's 3-day visit to Israel:
Rules Eased For Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cards For People Of Indian Origin In Israel
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he has eased the rules for applying OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards for people of Indian origin in Israel. "Let me tell you, if the Indian Jewish community does not get OCI cards, then the goal of the OCI card will fail," PM Modi said. "That is why I am telling everyone here again and again, come, visit India."
PM Modi also announced new flights to Israel from India.
"My young friends, you are the technology and innovation bridge between India and Israel. Both I and Benjamin Netanyahu are convinced that the backbone of our ties will be science, innovation and research," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
"There are about 600 Indian students in Israel. Some are present here today," PM Modi told the Indian community at Tel Aviv Convention Centre. "The skills you are learning here will be useful to India in the times to come," he said.
'Focus On Youth'
"If a young man wants to launch a start-up, he can register his company in one day. Countries that lost everything in World War Two were able to recover because they focused on their youth. Today that opportunity is India's," PM Modi said.
Indian-Origin Jews Contributed To Israel's Agricultural Development
"Indian Jews have contributed to the agricultural progress here [Israel]. When the first prime minister of Israel saw the dream of making a desert green, our Indian brothers and sisters toiled day and night to realise the vision of 'may the desert bloom'. Besides agriculture, people of Indian origin have left their mark in the healthcare sector," PM Modi said.
'Reform, Perform, Transform'
"My government's mantra is reform, perform, transform," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. "I call GST Good and Simple Tax."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Indian community at Tel Aviv Convention Centre.
"I remember India's financial capital Mumbai has had a Jewish mayor. In 1938, Elijah Moses was the mayor of the city when it was known as Bombay," PM Modi said.
"Not just in the military, people from Israel have excelled and scaled new heights in literature and film. People from the Jewish community are few in India, but their presence has been one of pride," PM Modi said.
"Last night we were chatting late after dinner. [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu gave me a photograph of Indian soldiers from World War Two who helped free Jerusalem," PM Modi told the Indian community at Tel Aviv Convention Centre.
"Our ties are a sign of our friendship and dependability. Our festivals have similarities," PM Modi said.
"It may have been only 25 years since we established diplomatic relations, but our ties go back hundreds of years," PM Modi said.
Moment Of Celebration: PM Modi"In 70 years, for the first time, the visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Israel is in itself a moment of celebration and a moment of introspection too... We have met after a long time," PM Modi told the Indian community at Tel Aviv Convention Centre.
"Seventy years ago our countries achieved independence. Since then our countries have rise, rise, rise and rise and they meet today," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
"These are the Jews of India. They love India. They love Israel. They love our friendship," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu at Tel Aviv Convention Centre.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at Tel Aviv Convention Centre with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. PM Modi will address the Indian community shortly.
PM Modi Announces Indian Cultural Centre In Israel
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said an Indian Cultural Centre will be set up in Israel, news agency IANS reported. "Appreciating the contribution of the Jewish community in India and Jews of Indian origin in Israel in bringing the two societies closer, Prime Minister Modi announced the opening of an Indian Cultural Centre in Israel," a joint statement issued by India and Israel said.
India, Israel Sign 7 DealsIndia and Israel today signed seven agreements to increase cooperation in key sectors such as space, agriculture and water conservation after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held in-depth talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, news agency PTI reported.
"We are of one view that together our scientists and researchers would develop, build and implement mutually beneficial solutions," PM Modi said. "Our decision to establish a bilateral Technology Innovation Fund worth $40 million for research in industrial development will help us in achieving this goal," PM Modi said. (Photo: AFP)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets with Israeli child Moshe Holtzberg, who survived the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
Israel's Progress In Agriculture Enormous: Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar
"The prime minister stopped by a farm yesterday. The idea was to see enormous progress that Israel has made in agriculture and horticulture. We have announced strategic partnerships in water and agriculture. Israel has a global reputation in water conservation, desalination and waste water management," India's Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said. "From Startup India to Make In India, Israel is a great fit. Israel is a country with very strong R&D (research and development) and technology, backed up by entrepreneurship," he said.
PM Modi Meets 26/11 Mumbai Attacks SurvivorPrime Minister Narendra Modi meets Israeli child Moshe Holtzberg, who survived the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Moshe Holtzberg, now 11, was barely two years old when his parents Rivka and Gavriel Holtzberg, serving as emissaries of Chabad in Mumbai, were killed along with six others by terrorists at the Nariman House, also popularly known as Chabad House.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu before a joint address in Tel Aviv. (AFP)
'Indian Students Studying In Israel'
"We have been receiving a large number of Israeli tourists in India... More and more Indian students are also choosing to study advanced courses in universities in Israel," PM Modi said.
Admire The Success Of Your People: PM Modi"Thank you excellency for your warm words of welcome. I will cherish a truly wonderful dinner that you and Mrs Netanyahu hosted for me," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in the joint address with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "I admire the success of your people in overcoming adversity. I am honoured to be on this extraordinary visit. Our paths have been different but our pursuits have been shared," PM Modi said.
'Making History Together'
"You are making history, we are making history together. It is a deeply moving moment for me, personally, and in national and international terms," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a joint address with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Today, India and Israel are changing the world. This is match made in heaven," Mr Netanyahu said.
'I For I = India For Israel,' Says PM Narendra Modi After Warm Welcome: 10 PointsPrime Minister Narendra Modi met Israel President Reuven Rivlin this morning in his first formal engagement and thanked him for the warm welcome he has been given in his country since his arrival in Tel Aviv yesterday in the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister. "I for I, India for Israel and Israel for India," said PM Modi, who was greeted with a warm hug by the President.
India and Israel are likely to sign a number of agreements in the areas of defence, education, water management, agriculture and security. The two prime ministers will address a joint press conference at the end of the delegation-level talks at around 5:30 pm this evening.
Delegation-level talks have begun between India and Israel. Wide-ranging talks have been planned between the two countries to enhance India-Israel ties in the areas of security, agriculture, water, energy, defence, among others. PM Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu will also discuss measures to counter terrorism and increase cooperation in sharing of intelligence in this regard. Economic, cultural and people-to-people ties are also scheduled to be discussed and a number of agreements are expected to be signed between India and Israel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu over talks to enhance ties between India and Israel.
"President Rivlin is admired in India for his unstinting belief and common good of mankind, I thank him for his friendship and his warm hospitality," wrote Prime Minister Modi, who is the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel.
Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Tel Aviv yesterday for a three-day visit, met President Rivlin at his residence and thanked him for the "warm hospitality and friendship". "It is a privilege to meet President Rivlin again today. I fondly recall his visit to India last November when he charmed us with his affable manner and desire to do more with India," Prime Minister Modi wrote in the guest book at the President's residence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called on Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties. "The President of Israel welcomed me so warmly, he broke protocol. This is a mark of respect for the people of India," PM Modi tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on day two of his historic 3-day visit to Israel. They discussed strengthening of India-Israel ties
India And Israel Sister Democracies: Benjamin Netanyahu"India and Israel are sister democracies. We are unequal in size but equal in spirits. We also face common challenges and first of it is to defeat the forces of terror that's on rampage through the world and threaten both our countries. We must stand together in this battle," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a joint address with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tel Aviv.
"We share a bond of democracy, creativity, a deep respect for the past and a boundless optimism for future and it's in this spirit my friend Narendra, I welcome you here. Welcome friend," the Israeli Prime Minister said. (Photo: AFP)
Proud Of Jewish Sons And Daughters Of India: PM Modi"We are proud of Jewish sons and daughters of India like Lieutenant General JFR Jacob, Vice Admiral Benjamin Samson, Master Architect Joshua Benjamin, and film actors Nadira, Sulochana and Pramila whose diverse contributions have greatly enriched the fabric of Indian society," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
"We also want to put in place a robust security partnership to respond to shared threats to our peace, stability and prosperity. Our focus on using technology and innovation to meet our development priorities provides productive scope to expand academic scientific and research and business links," PM Modi said in the joint address with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.
"We are proud of Jewish sons and daughters of India whose diverse contributions have greatly enriched the fabric of Indian society," PM Modi said.
"I thank Prime Minister Netanyahu for welcoming me. It reminds me of our own ethos of hospitality. I am most grateful for this hospitality," PM Modi said.
"The link between our people go back thousands of years," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a joint address with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. "Our ties have seen rapid growth since the establishment of full diplomatic links a quarter of a century ago," PM Modi said.
"Ramanujan was a great Indian mathematician. Perhaps the greatest mathematician in many, many centuries. This symbolises the talent of India... I have to confess to you that I have been inspired by Prime Minster Modi's enthusiasm for yoga," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I have the same trait. He is a tireless reformer," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a joint address in Tel Aviv.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu share a light moment in a car while leaving Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv in Israel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Yad Vashem Memorial in Israel which was built in memory of Holocaust victims.
PM Modi Visits Holocaust Memorial In Israel
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visited Israel's Yad Vashem memorial which was built in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, news agency PTI reported. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accompanied him during the visit to the museum. Yad Vashem started out as an organisation in 1953 near Jerusalem, documenting the Holocaust and the history of the Jews. The museum leads into the Hall of Names, which contains over three million names of Holocaust victims submitted by their families and relatives.
PM Modi Hails 'Bibi's' Brother Who Died 41 Years Ago In Military Operation
"Today is July 4. Exactly 41 years ago, since Operation Entebbe. The day, when your prime minister and my friend Bibi lost his elder brother Yonatan while saving the lives of so many Israeli hostages," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his brief address at Ben Gurion airport in Israel today, news agency PTI reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is known across Israel by the nickname "Bibi".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited a flower farm with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to gain first-hand information about the latest innovation in horticulture, news agency PTI reported. The Danziger flower farm is one of Israel's leading horticulture companies with approximately 80,000 square meters of greenhouses to cultivate plants.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Ben-Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. The two leaders seek to strengthen India-Israel relationship on a range of areas including defence and technology.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greets Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Ben-Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. (AFP)
Keen To Interact With Indian Diaspora: PM Modi
I am also keen to interact with the Indian diaspora in Israel and a large number of Jews of Indian origin. My visit marks a path-breaking journey. A journey that we are excited to undertake for the progress of our society. I thank you once again for this tremendous welcome.
PM Modi Thanks Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu For A Warm Welcome
My visit is about the strength of our societies and our strong partnership
My honour to be the 1st ever Indian PM to undertake this ground breaking visit to Israel
Your 'Make In India' meets with my 'Make With India': PM Netanyahu
Prime Minister we've been waiting for you from a long time. We've been waiting for 70 years now. We have agreed to break down the walls between Indian and Israel.
We shook each others hands and we agreed to forge to become historic partners.We have also spoken many times on the phone.
You had said that when it comes to India-Israel relations, sky is the limit.
But now, Prime Minister, let me add- we are also cooperating in space.
Apka Swagat Hai Mere Dost: Benjamin Netanyahu Welcomes PM Modi
Benjamin Netanyahu delivering his welcome remarks as PM Modi seated after a red carpet welcome which was followed by the national anthem of both the nations.
The Famous PM Modi HugPM Modi, dressed in white suit, is received by Israel PM as he comes down from the plane. PM Modi greets Netanyahu with a hug -- his trademark way of meeting any leader.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the airport to welcome PM Modi.
PM Modi's welcome to be at par with that of US Presidents.
Red Carpet Welcome For PM Modi
Welcome ceremony for PM Narendra Modi at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also seen at the airport
JUST IN: PM Narendra Modi lands at Tel Aviv for his 3-day visit in Israel.
At 9:10 pm Prime Minister Modi will leave for the historic King David Hotel in Jerusalem, where he will be staying during his three-day visit. At 9:30 pm, the prime minister will leave for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's residence for a special dinner in his honour.
Prime Minister Modi and Israeli PM Netanyahu will reach the Yad Vashem Memorial at 8:30 pm and will be there for 40 minutes. PM Modi will visit the Yad Vashem Memorial Museum to honour the memory of the victims of the holocaust that counts among the greatest tragedies in human history. PM Modi will visit the Hall of Names, Remembrance Hall and will sign the visitor's book.
At 7:20 pm this evening, Prime Minister Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu will leave for Danziger Flower Farm - an agricultural farm. India and Israel plan to increase cooperation in field of agriculture. PM Modi will be briefed about "precision agriculture", a technique of improving crop yield and productivity using technology efficiently. The two prime ministers will then depart Danzier Flower Farm for Yad Vashem Memorial at 7:50 pm.
There will be a 45-minute welcome ceremony starting 6:30 pm when Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in Tel Aviv. This will be followed by arrival remarks by the Prime Minister
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will land in Tel Aviv - the capital of Israel at 6:30 pm this evening. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will receive PM Modi at the airport, a special gesture only extended to the Pope and the US President. PM Modi will receive a red carpet welcome at the Ben-Gurion International Airport upon his arrival.
(PM Modi waves before boarding Air India One as he leaves for Tel Aviv in Israel for an official visit) "We feel that India has a right to defend itself against terrorists in the same way as Israel has a right to defend itself from terrorists. We are both suffering from the same scourge. I really don't see any difference between the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Hamas. I never did and i don't today. A terrorist is a terrorist is a terrorist," said Mark Sofer, who has served as ambassador to India.
On Monday, Israel said it completely supports India in its fight against terror emanating from Pakistan and within the country. "Israel has never hidden the fact that it supports India hook, line and sinker on the subject of terrorism... You have suffered from terrorism from inside India, and not just emanating from Pakistan, which has been seen in recent history," the Deputy Director General of Israel's foreign ministry, Mark Sofer, told reporters in Jerusalem.
The centrepiece of the collaboration is the Barak-8 air defence system, built jointly by the two countries in a boost for PM Modi's campaign to develop a domestic defence industry and reduce arms imports.
(Photo: The Barak-8 air defence system) The two sides are expected to announce strategic partnerships in areas including water, agriculture and space technology. However, it is the defence relationship that is most advanced - India is now Israel's biggest arms market, buying weapons at an average of $1 billion each year.