Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu in India, both countries sign 9 MoUs
Netanyahu and Indian PM Narendra Modi hold delegation level talks to boost bilateral ties.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in India for a six-day visit. He landed in New Delhi on Sunday, Jan 14, 2018. Indian PM Modi set aside the protocol and went to receive him to the airport like he was received during his visit to Israel last year.
On Sunday night, Modi hosted a private dinner for Netanyahu and his wife Sara at his residence in New Delhi.
Netanyahu described the India-Israel relationship as a “marriage made in heaven.”
India and Israel will strengthen the existing pillars of cooperation in areas that touch the lives of our people. We shall also venture into less explored areas of cooperation. pic.twitter.com/kc8EsMdZTf
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2018
Just before his trip to India, the Israeli PM 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 added."
Benjamin Netanyahu is the first Israeli Prime Minister in 15 years to visit India.
Nine MoU's were signed
Both the countries on Monday inked nine pacts to boost cooperation in key areas, including cybersecurity.
During this occasion, Modi invited Israeli defense companies to manufacture in India.
A ‘Trilateral Fund’ of $50 million was formed by the Israel-India Technology Group to promote entrepreneurship and trilateral business opportunities between the US, India, and Israel.
The Times of Israel wrote widely if Netanyahu can renegotiate the $500-million-dollar defense deal, which India has canceled. Its report read, “Netanyahu is eager to revive a canceled $500 million deal between Israeli arms manufacturer Rafael and India for Spike anti-tank missiles.”
Israel has pledged an investment of $68.6 million to encourage partnership with India in sectors like tourism, technology, agriculture over a period of four years.
Israel exports $1 billion worth of military equipment every year to India.
At 7:30 PM today, Prime Ministers @narendramodi and @netanyahu will address a business summit with a focus on expanding India-Israel economic cooperation. @IsraeliPM pic.twitter.com/Le0oS0kEmY
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 15, 2018
Modi and Netanyahu attend joint press conference
Both the leaders today held delegation-level talks and issued a joint statement.
According to the Times of India, Modi said, "Your visit is also a fitting climax to the commemoration of 25 years of diplomatic relations between India and Israel.
My first visit to India, a world power that is strengthening its relations with Israel. I am excited about this historic week that will further strengthen Israel's international standing. 🇮🇱🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/0ptrXuabL2
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) January 14, 2018
The relations between both the countries underwent hiccups when India voted against the United States' decision to make Jerusalem the capital of Israel last month.
Netanyahu praised Modi for the good work that he has done after becoming the Prime Minister and said, “You [Narendra Modi] are a revolutionary leader.
Today evening, Netanyahu will meet Indian President Ram Nath Kovind.