PM Modi, Israel counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu hold discussions to boost bilateral ties
New Delhi, February 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday held a meeting and discussed ways to strengthen the relationship between the two nations and also deepen cooperation in defence and security.
Taking to Twitter, PM Modi on Wednesday said, "Spoke with PM @netanyahu and discussed ways to strengthen the multifaceted India-Israel friendship, deepen our focus on innovation partnership, and our ongoing cooperation in defence and security."
Earlier in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said, "Just spoke with Indian PM @narendramodi about ways to strengthen the close relationship between #Israel and #India. Together we'll advance security & economic relations, with a focus on high-tech. Exciting times ahead!"
The Israeli Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, recently stated that Prime Minister Modi's 'historic' visit to Israel in 2017 broke the ice between the two countries and that the famous photograph of him with ex-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be remembered as a symbol of how things are done.
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"The famous picture of PM Modi with ex-Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu at the Olga beach is one that will stay as a symbol of how things are done," Gilon said while explaining the bond between India-Israel.
According to Ambassador Gilon, the change in bilateral relations between the two countries resulted from the Indian Prime Minister's first visit to Israel, followed by Netanyahu's visit to India.
"We have to say that there were visits before that of Indian President and Israeli President, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, but the visit of PM Modi and a few months later in 2017, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to India on January 18 - this was a game changer to relations between the two countries," Gilon said.
- ANI
