New Delhi [India], February 27 (HBTV): Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to India on Friday after concluding a two-day state visit to Israel, during which both countries elevated their bilateral ties to a Special Strategic Partnership.
The visit culminated in the signing of 27 MoUs and agreements across sectors including innovation, cultural exchange, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, economic cooperation, diplomacy and security.
PM Modi announced that India and Israel would soon finalise a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He also declared the establishment of a Critical and Emerging Technology Partnership to deepen collaboration in high-technology and innovation domains.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister reiterated the shared resolve against terrorism, stating, ‘India and Israel are clear that there is no place for terrorism in the world. Terrorism cannot be accepted in any form.’
He affirmed that both nations would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder against terrorism and its supporters, noting that peace and stability in West Asia are directly linked to India's security.
Emphasising India's consistent support for dialogue and peaceful resolution in the region, PM Modi highlighted efforts to de-escalate tensions. He welcomed the Gaza Peace Plan as a pathway towards peace, adding that India fully supports such initiatives aimed at restoring stability and that humanity must never become a victim of conflict.
During a joint press briefing, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described PM Modi's visit as ‘amazing’, ‘extraordinarily productive’ and ‘extraordinarily moving’, despite its short duration.
He praised the emotional impact of PM Modi's address to the Knesset, stating that it left few dry eyes in Israel.
Netanyahu expressed gratitude, saying Israel owes India ‘a great lot of debt’ for its enduring friendship.
He also shared a personal anecdote about enjoying ‘unbelievable food’ at an Indian restaurant in Tel Aviv with his wife, Sara, before their marriage.
The Israeli Prime Minister highlighted the potential of combining the ‘brilliant talent’ and the ‘meeting of minds and hearts’ between the two countries and expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to strengthen.
He announced plans for an early government-to-government (G2G) meeting in India and said he looked forward to bringing senior ministers for further engagement.
(ANI)