NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi Wednesday expressed confidence that his state visit to Israel would further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the strategic partnership, and advance the shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future. Later in the day, Modi was welcomed at the airport in Tel Aviv by his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu.Following the arrival ceremony, the two leaders held a brief one-on-one meeting. “Had an excellent meeting with PM Netanyahu. Expressed gratitude to him for the warm welcome earlier in the day. It is a delight to be back in Israel after nine years. We discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties. Sectors such as technology, water management, agriculture, talent partnership and more offer immense scope for close collaboration. We also discussed key developments in the region,” Modi said on X.At the hotel, Modi was accorded an enthusiastic welcome by members of the Indian community and representatives of Jewish Indian diaspora, according to the MEA. Netanyahu also hosted a private dinner for Modi. The two will meet Thursday again for the formal delegation-level talks that will be followed by the signing of many MoUs. “India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with PM Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our 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,” Modi said in his departure statement.This is Modi’s second visit to Israel as PM. “I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian PM to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations. I also eagerly look forward to interacting with the members of the Indian diaspora who have for long been nurturing the India-Israel special friendship,” said PM Modi.
