Indian PM Narendra Modi in Israel to meet 'friend' Netanyahu

Al Jazeera ^ | 5 July 2017 | Saif Khalid

[Cronos]

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Israel on a historic three-day visit - the first by an Indian prime minister. The visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992.

..The Times of India published a joint editorial written by Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu highlighting the collaborations between the two countries.

"India and Israel are walking hand in hand into the future as partners," the editorial said.

Ties between the two nations have become more "visible" since Modi became prime minister in 2014 and Israeli ambassador to India Daniel Carmon said the "landmark" visit will focus on issues of economic development, innovation, agriculture, water and establishing a better connection between the people of the two countries, as well as defence.

Modi is set to hold talks with Netanyahu, whom he calls his friend and is likely to address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset.

Narendra Modi ✔ @narendramodi

I look forward to holding extensive talks with my friend, @IsraeliPM @netanyahu, who shares a commitment for vibrant India-Israel ties.

Apart from discussing bilateral relations with his counterpart, Modi also includes on his agenda addressing the Indian diaspora community of more than 80,000 Jews of Indian origin who reside in Israel.

"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 wrote on his Facebook page before his arrival in Israel.

[Cronos]

In the past decade, India has bought more than $10bn worth of arms from Israel, more than any other country

[Jyotishi]

Israel supports India against Pakistan. Does any other country?

[jalisco555]

Israel knows that Europe is lost and has successfully redirected it’s diplomacy elsewhere.