Modi in Israel: 'Apka swagat hai mere dost', Netanyahu welcomes PM with warm hug

TEL AVIV: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived in Israel on his three day visit. Modi, the first Indian prime minister to visit the Jewish nation, was received at the Ben Gurion airport by Netanyahu who said in Hindi, "aapka swagat hai, mere dost" (welcome, my friend). Modi began his "path-breaking" visit to Israel with his counterpart Netanyahu extending an extraordinary welcome and asserting that "even sky is not the limit" in the cooperation between the two countries. Modi, who was given a red carpet welcome, hugged Netanyahu after descending from the special aircraft and said his visit will be groundbreaking. Describing Modi as "a great leader of India and a great world leader", Netanyahu said, "we have been waiting for the last 70 years" for a visit by an Indian prime minister. Embracing each other twice, the two prime ministers, who spoke briefly at the airport, vowed to give a push to the bilateral relationship in all aspects and jointly deal with the common threats like terrorism. "We love India," said the Israeli prime minister who rolled out a red carpet welcome to Modi and giving him an honour which is only accorded to a US President and the Pope. Netanyahu's entire cabinet was there to receive Modi, who was wearing a cream colour 'band gala' suit, at the airport where the Indian prime minister was also accorded a Guard of Honour. "I remember what you told me in our first meeting - when it comes to India and Israel relations, the sky is the limit. But now, prime minister, let me add even sky is not the limit. We are also cooperating in space," Netanyahu told Modi. Talking about the vast possibilities of cooperation between the two countries, he said, "We can do even more, even better together." Modi will be in Israel till July 6 before travelling to Hamburg in Germany to attend the G-20 Summit. In Israel, he will also meet President Reuven Ruvi Rivlin and address the CEOs of the two countries as well as the Indian diaspora. He will also 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. Modi will also pay his respects to the courageous Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the liberation of Haifa in 1918. "I begin a historic visit to Israel, a very special partner of India's... As the first Indian prime minister to do so, I am greatly looking forward to this unprecedented visit that will bring our two countries and people closer," he had said in a statement here yesterday. "I look forward to holding extensive talks with my friend, @IsraeliPM @netanyahu, who shares a commitment for vibrant India-Israel ties," he had tweeted. The prime minister had said he will have "in-depth talks" with Netanyahu "on the full spectrum of our partnership and strengthening it in diverse fields for mutual benefit. We will also have the chance to discuss major common challenges like terrorism." This year, India and Israel are marking 25 years of their diplomatic relations. "My programme during the visit gives me an opportunity to engage with a cross-section of Israeli society. I am particularly looking forward to interacting with the large vibrant Indian diaspora in Israel that represents an enduring link between our two peoples," Modi had said. On the economic side, he had said, "I will join with leading Indian and Israeli CEOs and start-ups to discuss our shared priority of expanding business and investment collaboration on the ground." On July 6, the prime minister will travel to Hamburg for the G-20 Summit being hosted by Germany on July 7-8. The theme chosen for this year is 'Shaping an Inter- connected World'. "I look forward to engaging leaders from other G-20 countries on the vital issues affecting our world today that have a bearing on economic growth, sustainable development, and peace and stability," he had said. "We will review progress on decisions since the Hangzhou Summit last year and deliberate on issues of terrorism, climate, sustainable development, growth and trade, digitalisation, health, employment, migration, women s empowerment, and partnership with Africa," Modi had added.