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On day two of his visit, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. Following the delegate-level talks between two countries in New Delhi, the two sides inked nine pacts in the areas of oil and gas, amended protocol for airports, and cybersecurity, among others, sources told The Indian Express.
Netanyahu, who is the second Israeli PM to visit India after Ariel Sharon, was accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan earlier today. In the evening, the two leaders are expected to attend the second India-Israel CEO Forum Meeting. The first one took place when PM Narendra Modi visited Israel in July 2017, becoming the first Indian leader to visit the Jewish state. Netanyahu will also address India Israel Business Summit (Including Bridge of Innovation), a business event organised by FICCI at the Durbar Hall, Hotel Taj Diplomatic.
Benjamin Netanyahu in India LIVE updates
8.31 pm: “India’s development agenda is huge. It presents a vast economic opportunity for Israeli companies. I invite more and more Israeli people, businesses and companies to come and work in India. Along with the government and people, the business community of India too is keen to join hands,” said Modi.
8.29 pm: The PM said that several Israeli companies have joined hands with Indian firms for making in India. “We want to do more & better. To enable entry of capital & technology, most of the sectors, including defence, have been opened for FDI. More than 90 per cent of the FDI approvals have been put on automatic route. We are now among the most open economies,” Modi said.
8.28 pm: “India-Israel Innovation Bridge will act as link between start-ups of the two sides. I have been saying that Indian industries, start-ups and academic institutions must collaborate with their Israeli counterparts to access the huge reservoir of knowledge,” said PM Modi.
8.27 pm: “We have worked sincerely on ease of doing businesses in India. The results are there for everyone for to see,” the PM said.
8.25 pm: “Today we have emerged as the 6th largest manufacturing nation but we are not done yet,” says PM Narendra Modi.
8.24 pm: “In India, we have been taking steady steps over three years at both macro as well as micro-level to make a difference. Our motto is – reform, perform and transform,” says PM Narendra Modi.
8.17 pm: “I have always had a deep regard for Israel and its people. I visited Israel in 2006 as CM of Gujarat. Last year in July, I visited Israel, 1st such visit from India. I experienced the remarkable spirit of innovation, enterprise and perseverance that drives Israel,” Modi said.
8.15 pm: Addressing the India-Israel CEOs forum, PM Modi stressed on the cooperation between business and industry for the success of a nation. “The role of business and industry is crucial in the transformation of our time,” said Modi.
8.10 pm: “You have brilliant people in India. We have brilliant people in Israel. What we can do is shape the future together. I believe in India. I came here to say thank you PM Modi for believing in Israel, we believe in India,” the Israel PM said
8.00 pm: “There is not going to be anymore distinction between high tech and low tech because at the end everything is going to be technology. In the last 5-10 years we have car industries. We have 500 startup companies that receive $ 500 billion investment every year,” said Netanyahu.
7.50 pm: PM Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu attend India-Israel CEOs forum in Delhi. “PM Modi, dear friend, friend of Israel, thank you for your magnificent hospitality & friendship,” says Netanyahu.
6.40 pm: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
5.50 pm: “Interesting anecdote was that during lunch which PM hosted short while ago, one of the music items played by live band was ‘Ichak Dana Bichak Dana’. Number of Israelis who knew that was amazing. Films are a good way to building people to people relationships,” said Vijay Gokhale, MEA secretary.
5.00 pm: Rabbi Israel Kozlovsky, director of Chabad House in Mumbai, which came under attack during the 26/11 strikes, said, “We are very excited for the upcoming visit of of Baby Moshe. His life was miraculously saved by the Indian Army. His visit to Nariman House is very emotional and sensitive so we want you to cooperate with us.”
4.30 pm: Speaking on pilgrimage to the Jewish nation, Pavan Kapoor, India’s ambassador to Israel, said, “There is no stoppage or ban to any religious pilgrimage. A large number of Indians who go to Israel is for the purpose of religious pilgrimage.”
4.20 pm: “We have about 11,000-12,000 Indian caregivers working in Israel. We have found that they get exploited by the agencies. We are working with the Israeli side to stop this,” Pavan Kapoor, India’s ambassador to Israel, said.
4.10 pm: Addressing a press conference, MEA secretary (economic relations) Vijay Gokhale said the Palestine issue was discussed during delegation-level talks between PM Modi and Netanyahu. “As far as the issue of Palestine is concerned, it was discussed. Our side made its stand clear on the issues of Palestine & Jerusalem but our relations are much larger than single issues,” he said.
“The fund that was announced by both the Prime Ministers at Tel Aviv, at the time of PM Modi’s visit, has now been operationalised. The two PMs are extremely pleased by the outcome of their thoughts. PM Netanyahu is looking forward to his visit to Gujarat,” he said.
2.07 pm: “This is perhaps the most important statement. My friend Narendra, if anytime you want to do a yoga class, it’s a big stretch but I will be there. Try me,” he said while concluding his address.
2.06 pm: “Indians and Israelis remember too well the savagery of the horrific terrorist attacks,” he said while referring to Mumbai 26-11 attacks. “We fight back, we never give in,” the Israeli PM added.
2.05 pm: “My wife and I are very happy that we are going to Bollywood,” Netanyahu said.
2.03 pm: “Despite the doubts and challenges India and Israel are living proof that democracy works and indicates something deeper — the intrinsic value of freedom. We are proud we are seizing the future to make lives better around the world,” Netanyahu said. “India abounds with creativity. If we join hands together, we can achieve more for our people.”
2.01 pm: “Your visit to Israel was groundbreaking as it was the first time an Indian leader visited the country. You (PM Narendra Modi) are catapulting India into future and are revolutionising India-Israel relations,” Netanyahu said while talking on the shared past of the two countries.
“It (PM Modi’s visit to Israel) excited all Israelis and of course many Israelis of Indian descent and origin came. Well, I thought I was at a rock concert. But it was a historic event,” Netanyahu said.
1.59 pm: Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu begins his address. “I was deeply moved by the celebration ceremony. Not only for the honour you gave me, but also for the honour you show towards the people and state of Israel. You (PM Modi) are a revolutionary leader and you are revolutionising India,” Netanyahu said.
“Jews in India have never witnessed anti-semitism like in some other countries, this is a tribute to India’s great civilisation, tolerance and democracy,” the Israeli PM said.
1.58 pm: PM Narendra Modi signs off saying Toda Rabba.
1.57 pm: PM Talks about the renaming of Teen Murti Chowk as Teen Murti Haifa Chowk and said the two countries respect their heroes. He also added: “In Prime Minister Netanyahu, I have found a counterpart in taking India Israel relationship to soaring heights.”
1.56 pm: An Indian cultural centre will open soon in Israel to bring people from both countries closer, PM Modi announced.
1.55 pm: India and Israel ink nine pacts, including for cooperation in cybersecurity, oil and gas sector. “In Defence, I have invited Israeli companies to take advantage of the liberalized FDI regime to make more in India with our companies,” Modi added.
1.54 pm: “We will strengthen existing pillars of cooperation in areas that touch the lives of our peoples. These are agriculture, science and technology and security. We exchanged views on scaling up the Centers of Excellence that have been a main-stay of agricultural cooperation,” PM Modi said.
1.53 pm: “I have a reputation of getting impatient in getting results. I know, so are you,” PM Modi said. “Last year you had expressed an intent to cut down bureaucratic red tape. In India, we are doing just that. Our discussions today were marked by convergence to accelerate our engagement and to scale up our partnership. Today and yesterday we reviewed progress in our relations and renewed our relations on the opportunities that beckon us.”
“We have imparted our shared impatience to the implementation of our earlier decisions. The results are already visible on the ground.”
1.50 pm: PM Modi talks about his visit to Israel in July and the “generous affection” he received in Israel. “Last year in July, I carried the greetings and friendship of 1.25 billion Indians during my momentous journey to Israel. In return, I was overwhelmed by the generous affection and warmth of the Israeli people led by my friend Bibi (Benjamin Netanyahu).”
“In that visit, Netanyahu and I promised each other and our people to build a strategic partnership,” he said.
1.49 pm: “It is a great pleasure to welcome PM Netanyahu on his first visit to India. My good friend, welcome to India,” says PM Modi.
1.48 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his address.
1.47 pm: Exchange of Memorandum of Understandings takes place between India and Israel including on cyber cooperation and science and technology
1.45 pm: PM Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to issue press statements shortly.
1.30 pm: PM Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu hold delegation level talks. In case you are just joining us, the two countries are expected to sign several deals in the areas of oil and gas, renewable energy, amended protocol for airports, cyber-security, and co-production of films and documentaries.
1.00 pm: Meanwhile in Delhi, Left parties protested against Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu near India Gate, ANI reported.
12.15 pm: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and PM Narendra Modi arrive at Hyderabad House to hold delegation level talks.
11.55 am: Check photos from Day 2 of Netanyahu’s India visit here.
11.10 am: PM Narendra Modi and Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu will now meet at Hyderabad House at noon.
11.00 am: Here are some glimpses from today’s ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
10.50 am: Next stop – Hyderabad House.
10.45 am: Netanyahu and his wife pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat.
10.40 am: Did you know Netanyahu’s visit to India is only the second one by an Israeli prime minister and comes after a gap of 15 years? Former prime minister Ariel Sharon visited India in 2003.
10.30 am: During his six-day stay in India, Netanyahu will be visiting Delhi, Agra, Gujarat and Mumbai and will be accompanied by Modi on extensive portions of his visit, a press statement said.
10.20 am: “It began with PM Modi’s historic visit to Israel that created tremendous enthusiasm, it continues with my visit here which I must say is deeply moving for me, my wife and people of Israel. Heralds a flourishing partnership to bring prosperity, peace and progress for our people,” Netanyahu was quoted as saying by ANI.
10.15 am: Netanyahu accorded ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan. PM Modi is present for the event.
10.10 am: Israel will be investing $68.6 million to boost cooperation with India in areas such as tourism, technology, agriculture and innovation over a period of four years. The commitment is in addition to the India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund of $40 million over five years with equal contribution from both sides that has already been agreed between the two nations.
Here is his schedule for PM Netanyahu today —
10 am: Ceremonial Reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan
10.30 am: Wreath laying at the Memorial of Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat
12 pm: Meeting with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House
12.30 pm: Delegation level talks
1.00 pm: Signing of Agreements and Press Statement
5.45 pm: Call on the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan
7.00 pm: Presentation of Concluding Report of India-Israel CEOs Forum at Mumtaz Hall, Hotel Taj Diplomatic.
7.30 pm: India Israel Business Summit (Including Bridge of Innovation) at Durbar Hall, Hotel Taj Diplomatic.
9.40 am: Modi wrote in the visitor’s book, in Gujarati, that he saluted the “great Indian traditions of selfless sacrifice and penance” of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the liberation of the city of Haifa during the First World War.
“One of these pages was written 100 years ago, in the sacrifice of Indian soldiers at Haifa… Naming this spot as Teen Murti-Haifa Chowk marks this historic occasion. In the presence of the Prime Minister of Israel, we pay homage to the brave soldiers,” Modi wrote. Read more here.
9.30 am: On his first day in India Sunday, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu was received by PM Narendra Modi at the Palam airport. The two leaders then visited Teen Murti Chowk, which was renamed as Teen Murti Haifa Chowk. Read Day 1 HIGHLIGHTS
9.20 am: Check photos from Netanyahu’s visit here.
9.15 am: The Union Health Ministry will also sign an agreement with Israel’s Saare Tzedek hospital on homoeopathy and Ayurveda. The Science and Technology Ministry will also sign a pact with Technion-Israel Institute of Technology.
9.10 am: Netanyahu is leading a high-profile delegation of 130 businessmen from 102 Israeli companies drawn from areas such as agriculture, water, cyber-security, healthcare and security.
9.00 am: Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu is also slated to visit Raj Ghat today.
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