TEL AVIV: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome as he arrived in Israel on Wednesday for a landmark two-day state visit. In a rare gesture usually reserved for the U.S. President or the Pope, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally received PM Modi at the Ben Gurion International Airport.
Embracing the Indian leader, Netanyahu welcomed him saying, “Welcome to Israel, my friend.” The deep personal bond between the two leaders was evident during the Guard of Honour and other official ceremonies. This visit marks PM Modi’s second trip to Israel during his 10-year tenure.
PM Modi’s flight, which departed from Delhi at 9:00 AM and landed in Tel Aviv at approximately 4:15 PM (IST), was the most-tracked flight in the world on Wednesday, according to FlightRadar24. During this visit, Modi will create history by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament.
The two leaders are expected to review the strategic partnership and sign several crucial agreements in sectors including defense, agriculture, water conservation, and cybersecurity.
The visit has sparked a heated political row in India, with the Congress party launching a scathing attack. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the PM of ignoring the plight of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, alleging that the Modi government has abandoned the Palestinian cause.
Priyanka Gandhi demanded that PM Modi should address the issue of the genocide in Gaza while speaking at the Israeli Parliament. In response, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia came forward with a sharp and mocking rebuttal against Priyanka Gandhi. (HT)
For more details: Navamalayalam.com