Netanyahu in India: Several MoUs expected to be inked
Israel's relationship with India is a "marriage made in heaven"; that India voted against recognition of Jerusalem as its capital doesn't change anything, PM Benjamin Netanyahu said. He was 'disappointed,' but added that his ongoing visit is 'a testimony that our relationship is moving on so many fronts.' The two countries are expected to prioritize defense, economic and cultural ties in bilateral talks today.
Second PM to visit India since 2003
Netanyahu landed in India yesterday along with wife Sara for a six-day visit. He is accompanied by a 130-member business delegation, the largest ever to travel with an Israeli PM on an international tour. This is the first India visit by an Israeli PM since 2003. His first stop was at 'Teen Murti' with PM Narendra Modi. The spot was renamed Teen Murti-Haifa Chowk.
'Disappointed by India's vote but share special relationship'
Recently, India voted against the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital after the US announcing its decision on it, but it seems it hasn't affected bilateral ties. "There's a special relationship between the two countries, between their people and then between the leaders," Netanyahu said.
India, Israel expected to sign several MoUs after bilateral talks
On Day-2, the two leaders will have one-on-one talks before delegation-level discussions at Delhi's Hyderabad House. MoUs are expected to be signed in renewable energy, oil and gas, cyber security, co-production of films and more. Israel's Saare Tzedek hospital would sign a deal to share developments in homoeopathy and Ayurveda. The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology will corroborate with the ministry of science and technology.
Other programs on Netanyahu's itinerary for Day 2
Apart from the meetings, Netanyahu will be given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan today. He will lay a wreath at the Rajghat to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation. Later in the day, he will call on President Ram Nath Kovind.
Trips to Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Agra in the next days
In the next four days, the Israeli will PM will visit Ahmedabad, Mumbai and the Taj Mahal. Modi is expected to accompany him on a major part of his tour. He will interact with top government officials, businessmen and Bollywood representatives. Netanyahu and Modi will also open the Raisina Dialogue, an annual multilateral conference in Delhi, before he leaves for Israel on Friday.
