Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday said he looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day State visit to Israel.
Sharing PM Modi’s departure statement ahead of his visit, Herzog said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the State of Israel and the people of Israel look forward to welcoming you to Israel.”
Responding to Herzog’s message, PM Modi expressed confidence that his visit would further boost bilateral ties. “I am confident that my visit will further strengthen the bilateral relations between our two countries,” he said, also terming the trip “historic.”
Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid emphasised that the India-Israel relationship goes beyond strategy and called PM Modi a “true friend” of Israel.
“All of Israel is excited to welcome Prime Minister Modi tomorrow. He is a true friend of Israel. The relationship between Israel and India is not merely a strategic one, but a bond of deep friendship between nations,” said Lapid in a post on X.
In a symbolic gesture ahead of the visit, the Knesset was illuminated in the colours of the Indian flag. Sharing images of the tribute, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said the illumination was in honour of the Indian Prime Minister’s visit. PM Modi acknowledged the gesture, stating he looked forward to addressing Israeli lawmakers.
The two-day visit comes at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and marks PM Modi’s second trip to the country after his landmark 2017 visit – the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Modi’s discussions with Netanyahu are aimed at further strengthening cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, technology, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties. He will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
PM Modi is also scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog, underscoring the high-level political engagement between the two democracies.
A key highlight of the visit will be PM Modi becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset. In his departure statement, PM Modi described the occasion as a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties binding the two countries.
Netanyahu described the visit as “historic,” calling PM Modi a “dear friend” and highlighting the growing strategic alignment between the two nations. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said the India-Israel partnership represents a “powerful alliance between two global leaders” committed to innovation, security and stability.
(With agency inputs)
