PM Modi Announces OCI Card for Israel’s Indian Community

• PM Modi and his Israeli counterpart Netanyahu are held a delegation-level meeting
• Seven agreements were signed between the two countries
• PM Modi met ‘Baby' Moshe, 11-year-old survivor of the 26/11 attack
• Israel President Rivlin broke protocol to welcome PM Modi, by stepping onto the streets to receive the latter in person
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel for a three-day visit on 4 July, the first by an Indian premier to the Jewish nation.
  
• On 7 and 8 July, PM Modi will head to Germany to participate in the G20 Summit
  

People of Indian Origin in Israel to Get OCI Card Despite Their Army Training: PM

People of Indian origin in Israel will get the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card even if they have undergone the compulsory army service, PM Modi announced in Israel.

Addressing the Indian diaspora at the event which was also attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi said that direct flights would be launched between Delhi, Mumbai and Tel Aviv to encourage people-to-people contacts.

He said an Indian cultural centre would also be opened in Israel, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the Indian diaspora.

Israel's Support in Agriculture, Defence, Space Will Benefit India: PM Modi

While addressing the Indian diaspora, PM Modi outlined India's progress in the field of agriculture.

While speaking of India's progress, the Indian prime minister said that Israel's support to India in the realm of agriculture, defence and technology would greatly benefit the former.

Hailing Israel, particularly its innovations and scientific advancements, he said the country has demonstrated that the number and size does not matter, but it is the spirit that matters.

Modi said there were about 600 Indian students in Israel who can contribute to the future of the relationship.

Women Will Strengthen India's Development: PM Modi in Israel

Speaking on the role of women in India's development, PM Modi said that though many countries have paid maternity leave for a period of 12 weeks, India has increased it to 26 weeks.

PM Modi Addresses the Indian Diaspora in Israel Amidst Chants of 'Modi, Modi'

“For the first time in 70 years, an Indian prime minister has landed here to seek your blessings,” he said amid chants of “Modi, Modi”.

Speaking on the topic of the recently introduced Goods and Services Tax in India, PM Modi said:

He added that the move is aimed at achieving economic integration in India. Additionally, with the aim of 'housing for all', the government is now emphasising on construction and real estate, along with creating an ecosystem for entrepreneurs and innovators, the Indian prime minister added.

Invoking his ‘Make in India' initiative, PM Modi said that now it has become a local brand in India.

Modi said the Jewish nation had links with India dating back to centuries, but the fact that no Indian prime minister had travelled here in 70 years "raises questions", an apparent swipe at the previous governments of India.

Describing Netanyahu as "my friend", Modi said the kind of welcome extended to him since his arrival in Israel cannot be forgotten by anyone.

In his 60-minute speech, Modi talked about various programmes initiated by the Indian government and said these were aimed at the betterment of the common people.

Netanyahu, who spoke before Modi said the partnership between India and Israel was “made in heaven and was happening here now.”

He said he and Modi had decided on a vast programme and the Indian diaspora was "a bridge". "We love you," he added.

PM Modi Meets Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with three Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees from Israel.

This award was instituted by the government of India to honour those living abroad and have exceptional and meritorious contribution in their chosen field/profession to their credit.

Living bridges of excellence between #IndiaIsrael. PM meets three Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees from Israel pic.twitter.com/ze1laYZoD8

July 5, 2017

PM Modi Meets Opposition Leader

Israel's Opposition leader Isaac Herzog met with PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday, during his ongoing visit to Israel. He stressed on consensus to strengthen relationship between India and Israel.

Netanyahu Gifts Modi A Photo of Indian Soldiers

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while hosting Indian PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday gifted him a photo depicting Indian soldiers leading a British military column to librate Jerusalem in 1917.

The photo depicts Indian soldiers leading a British military column to librate Jerusalem (December 11, 1917). pic.twitter.com/cgnZS590Iq

July 5, 2017

'India-Israel find Contemporary Basis For Relationship'

Foreign Secretary of India S Jaishankar said that India and Israel, two societies who consider themselves cradles of civilization, have now found a more contemporary basis for their relationship.

We have announced a strategic partnership in water and agriculture. It offers us a whole spectrum of possibilities.

S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary of India

He added that there was a broad agreement that the fight against terrorism won't work if it's very segmented and translated into narrow agendas, reported ANI.

PM Modi Meets 'Baby' Moshe

#WATCH: Dear Mr Modi, I love you and your people in India says Moshe Holtzberg the now 11-year-old survivor of the 26/11 attacks pic.twitter.com/QCebzkvL0T

July 5, 2017

Moshe Holtzberg, the Israeli child who as a toddler survived the 2008 terror attack at a Jewish centre in Mumbai met with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

Moshe read out a message in Hindi to Modi, saying: “Namaste to the PM of Hindustan. Aapka Swagat Hai Humari Country May”.

Modi invited the 11-year-old survivor to visit India along with his family.

Productive Discussion with PM Netanyahu: PM Modi

Addressing the joint press conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that his Israeli counterpart and him have had productive discussions covering extensive issues. He added that they discussed the situation in West Asia and the wider region.

Both the countries regarded thriving two-way trade and investment flows as a “bed-rock” of strong partnership.

Our belief in democratic values and economic progress has been a shared pursuit: PM @narendramodi on #IndiaIsraelFriendship

July 5, 2017

Prime Minister @netanyahu and I agreed to do much more together to protect our strategic interests: PM @narendramodi #IndiaIsraelFriendship

July 5, 2017

We regard thriving two-way trade and investment flows as the bed-rock of a strong partnership: PM @narendramodi #IndiaIsraelFriendship

July 5, 2017

Modi also invited Netanyahu to visit India along with his family, an invitation which the Israeli PM accepted.

'A Marriage Made in Heaven'

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the joint-press conference after the delegation level meet between him and PM Modi said that the relationship between both the countries was akin to “marriage made in heaven”.

This is a marriage made in heaven but we are implementing it here on earth: PM Netanyahu. This is a deeply moving moment for me. We are making history.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu

India, Israel Ink 7 Agreements

India and Israel signed seven agreements including MoU for water conservation in India, a plan of cooperation regarding cooperation in atomic clocks, and three-year agricultural programme.

India - Israel Begin Delegation Level Talks

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and @PMOIndia @NarendraModi hold a working meeting in Jerusalem#IndiaIsraelFriendship pic.twitter.com/aTcc0Tj0Dj

July 5, 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the delegation-level talks by thanking his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu for hosting this “historic visit” and for playing a crucial role in writing an important chapter in the bilateral relationship between both countries.

Netanyahu termed PM Modi's visit as “groundbreaking” and emphasised that he saw “history in making” in his talks with the Indian PM.

PM @netanyahu calls PM's visit groundbreaking and emphasises that he sees history in making in his talks w PM

July 5, 2017

PM Modi, Netanyahu Meet For Restricted Talks

Taking yesterday's interaction forward, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu are meeting for restricted talks in Jerusalem, tweeted external affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay.

Moshe Excited, Emotional: Says Grandpa Ahead of Modi Meeting

Moshe Holtzberg, the Israeli child who as a toddler survived the 2008 terror attack at a Jewish centre in Mumbai, is "excited and emotional" ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jerusalem on Wednesday, his grandfather said.

Moshe now lives in Afula, Israel, with his grandparents – Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg and his wife Yehudit Rosenberg.

“Moshe is excited and emotional. We all are. We attach a lot of importance to the visit of Modi to Israel and his deciding to meet us,” Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg told PTI.

Eleven-year-old Moshe, survived the 2008 attack that claimed the lives of his parents, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, the directors of the Chabad House.

"We all are here at Jerusalem from Afula to meet the Indian prime minister. This meeting is very important to us as the prime minister, who represents 125 crore Indians, has shown a desire to meet Moshe and us," Rosenberg said.

"India has given too much love to Moshe and all of us. God bless India and Prime Minister Modi... It is nice to know that we have not been forgotten and that Indians share our pain," he said.

"I could not believe my ears when I got a call from the Indian ambassador saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to meet us," Moshe's grandfather said.

Also Read: ‘He Looks Like His Dad Now': Nanny Who Saved Baby Moshe on 26/11

PM Modi meets Israeli President Reuven Rivlin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Wednesday at Jerusalem. The two leaders briefed the press after their meet.

Speaking at the press meet, Rivlin said it was a "pleasure to have Modi in Israel". Responding to Rivlin's comments, Modi said expressed his gratitude for the "warm welcome" extended to him by Israel.

Rivlin broke protocol to welcome Modi, by stepping on to the streets to receive the latter in person. Stating that he "felt at home" in Israel, Modi said,

I for I, I with I because India is with Israel and for Israel. Israel is a real friend. 

After meeting with the President, Modi is scheduled to head for a restricted meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, where the two leaders are expected to discuss strategic agreements through a working lunch. The meeting will be followed by a press briefing.

Following this, Modi will meet Moshe, the 26/11 survivor, and the leader of the opposition. He will also meet the Indian community, later in the evening.

PM Modi to Meet Israel President Rivlin and 26/11 Survivor Moshe on Day 2

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on the second day of his trip to the country.

He is also scheduled to meet Moshe Holtzberg, the 26/11 survivor who was saved from the attack that killed his parents, by Indian nanny Sandra Samuel. Samuel, who takes care of Moshe till date, will also be present at the meeting.

Moshe was two years old when he was saved by Samuel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Hosts Private Dinner For Modi

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife hosted a private dinner for PM Modi at their residence Beit Aghion in Jerusalem on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Modi was at the Beit Aghion for three hours, as the entire Netanyahu family greeted and met him with utmost warmth.

The interaction went on until almost midnight (0230 hrs IST).

Netanyahu gifted Prime Minister Modi a painting that depicts Indian soldiers leading a British military column accompanying General Allenby. Jerusalem dated 11 December 1917.

Inspired by Modi's enthusiasm for Yoga: Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inspired him to pick up Yoga. “I have to confess that I have been inspired by Modi's enthusiasm for Yoga,” Netanyahu said in a press statement.

Underlining that he wants to start practising Yoga, he said:

Modi advised me to start at lower level. I am starting at a lower level. When I do a relaxing Tada-asana in the morning and I turn my head to right, India is the first democracy I see and when Modi does a relaxing Vasisthasana and he turns left, Israel is the first democracy he can see. So in fact we have India and Israel two sister democracies.

PM Modi Calls For Opposing Evils of Terrorism, Radicalism

PM Modi said on Tuesday night (IST) that those who believe in humanity and civilised values must come together and defend it at all costs as he called for resolutely opposing the evils of terrorism, radicalism and violence that has plagued the world.

We must resolutely oppose evils of terrorism, radicalism and violence.

Narendra Modi

“Yad Vashem is a reminder of the unspeakable evil inflicted generations ago,” Modi said.

On his part, Netanyahu said the two countries must stand together to fight the menace of terrorism.

Israeli Flower Named After PM Modi

A new fast-growing Israeli flower was named after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a special gesture to mark the first visit of an Indian premier to the Jewish nation.

Israeli Chrysanthemum flower will now be called “Modi,” officials said.

“New fast-growing Israeli Chrysanthemum flower named in honor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will be called “MODI”. Indeed, a #GrowingPartnership!,” an official Israeli Twitter handle announced.

Crysanthumun flower will be named in honour of PM @narendramodi. The flower will be called 'Modi.' pic.twitter.com/4qLALtxHzP

July 4, 2017

Also Read: Surprise Outcome of PM's Trip to Israel: A Flower Called ‘Modi'

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PM Narendra Modi Visits Yad Vashem

PM Narendra Modi visited Yad Vashem, the memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, in Israel⁠⁠⁠⁠ after his short trip to Danziger Flower Farm.

Modi laid a wreath at the Yad Vashem Memorial museum and paid tributes to the over six million Jews who lost their lives under Adolf Hitler's regime. He hailed the memorial as a tribute to the Jewish community and their "unbreakable spirit to rise above the depths of tragedy, overcome hatred and forge ahead to build a vibrant democratic nation."

Modi and Netanyahu also visited Mt Herzi in Jerusalem to pay tribute at the grave of father of modern Zionism, Theodre Herzi.

PM Netanyahu and @PMOIndia Modi visited Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem, and paid their respects to the founder of modern Zionism, Theodor Herzl. pic.twitter.com/ZEMirEpQDV

July 4, 2017

PM's Israel Visit Good Way to Strengthen Bilateral Ties: Envoy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "standalone" visit to Israel is a good way to concentrate on the bilateral achievement "without other issues affecting" them, Israeli envoy David Akov said.

The Israeli envoy made the remark in reply to a query on his country's stand on the possibility of the Indian premier visiting Ramallah. Modi is skipping a visit to Palestine during his trip.

"It's not for us to decide. This is clearly an issue for the Indian government to deal with. We believe that the standalone visit as this is called ... we think it is a very good way to visit Israel. This (visit) is a good way to concentrate on what we can achieve bilaterally, between the two countries without other issues (Palestine) affecting (them). The Consul General of Israel in Mumbai told reporters," the Consul General of Israel in Mumbai told reporters.

Modi Visits Danziger Flower Farm in Israel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Danziger ‘Dan' flower farm in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva along with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel to learn about latest innovations and advancements in floriculture.

The Danziger flower farm is one of Israel's leading floriculture companies with approximately 80,000 square meters of state-of-the-art greenhouses specialising in reproduction of plants.

The farm, founded in 1953, is located in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, about 56 km from Jerusalem, in central Israel.

Have to Secure Our Societies Against Terrorism: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked his Israeli counterpart for receiving him and said that his visit will strengthen the two societies and build a strong partnership.

Recalling Netanyahu's elder brother's sacrifice in the war, PM Modi said he will address and discuss terrorism with his counterpart and meet a large number of Indian Jews during his three-day trip.

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Make in India Will Meet Make With India Policy: Israeli PM

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Prime Minister Modi and said, “Aapka swagat hai mere dost”.

Elaborating upon the agenda of the meeting, Netanyahu said that the visit would facilitate a meeting of Modi's ‘Make in India' policy with Israel's ‘Make with India' policy.

“We love India, admire your culture, history, democracy and commitment to progress,” he said.

PM Narendra Modi Reaches Israel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Israel for a three-day visit, during which he is expected to meet and discuss a number of common challenges with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli PM personally received PM Modi at the airport, along with a number of senior ministers.

Netanyahu called it a “historic visit” and welcomed his “friend” PM Modi with a “Shalom”.

Modi will be in Israel till 6 July before travelling to Hamburg in Germany to attend the G20 Summit.

PM Modi Leaves For Israel

PM @narendramodi emplanes for a historic visit to Israel, the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/6q2iXJ71Xh

July 4, 2017

Israel Looks to Boost Exports to India

Israel is eyeing the strong middle class base in India to boost its exports, capitalising on the the momentum generated by the “historic” visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but scepticism persists here due to stalled discussions on a Free Trade Agreement.

India is a key export market for Israel. Tightening relations with India and this historic visit of the Indian Prime Minister will lead, beyond increasing security exports, to growth in trade in goods and services.

Eli Cohen, Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry

“The Indian economy is becoming a prime destination for Israeli exports, with its 1.3 billion consumers led by 300 million citizens in the middle and upper-middle class, with purchasing power equal to the middle class of Western economies,” Cohen noted.

An FTA between the two nations has remained elusive despite negotiations having started around seven years ago. The first round of negotiations were held on May 26, 2010.

On a question regarding the long-pending pact, Israeli foreign ministry officials said India was "re-evaluating" it, but tried to downplay its significance, saying there are newer developments that will help realise the economic potential between the two countries.

"Israel Supports India's fight Against Terrorism"

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a press briefing on the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel.

The press was briefed by Yuval Rotem, Director General of Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mark Sofer, Deputy Director General of Asia & Pacific and Danny Carmon, Ambassador of Israel to India.

Asserting that both India and Israel suffer from the “evil” forces of terrorism, the Jewish nation has said it completely supports New Delhi in its fight against terror emanating from Pakistan and within the country.

Israel has never hidden the fact that it supports India hook, line and sinker on the subject of terrorism... We are not asking for a quid pro quo. You have suffered from terrorism from inside India, and not just emanating from Pakistan, which has been seen in recent history.

Mark Sofer, Deputy Director General of Asia & Pacific

Modi Is the First Indian PM to Visit Israel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will create history by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to ever visit the Jewish state of Israel when he touches down at Tel Aviv on 4 July.

Modi, on his three-day visit to commemorate 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, will hold talks on key areas of cooperation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

In a video released by his office, Netanyahu, while addressing a gathering recently, had said:

There is going to be a visit of prime minister of India, one of the most important prime ministers of the world, with the third largest economy in the world growing very fast. He wants close cooperation with Israel in many fields – water, agriculture, health and also in cyber. And he has a good reason to do so.

Netanyahu and Modi have already met twice on foreign soil on the sidelines of UN- related events and are said to be constantly in touch with each other over the phone.

Also Read: Modi Will Become First Indian PM to Visit Israel on 4 July

PM Modi's Schedule for His Three-Day Trip

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on a range of issues, including terrorism and counter-terrorism operations. The two leaders are likely to sign a number of agreements in relation to innovation, development, science and technology and space.

Modi is expected to stay at the historic King David hotel in Jerusalem, will visit an agricultural farm on Tuesday where he will be shown “precision agriculture”, a technique of improving crop yield and productivity using technology efficiently. He will also be shown water management, treatment and purification technologies.

Later, Modi will pay homage to Indian soldiers at the Indian cemetery in Haifa.

He is scheduled to meet Holtzberg Moshe, now a 10-year-old boy, who was saved during the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks when he was an infant.

His grandparents and part-time nanny Sandra Samuel – Samuel was with Moshe during the attacks – will also meet the PM.

Modi will also address around 4,000 Indians living in Israel during his three-day visit. He will separately interact with the students who are studying agriculture, chemistry and biology.

"Serious Threat" on Cyber Security to Be Discussed

Cyber security is one of the key areas of cooperation to be discussed with Narendra Modi, Netanyahu has said.

Once it was a disadvantage to say that you are from Israel. Today when you talk about cyber or advanced technology, it is an advantage to say we are an Israeli company. The whole world wants us. The whole world is coming here.

Netanyahu said at Cyber Week 2017 conference

Netanyahu stressed that Israel's growing acceptance across the world, especially as a “technology giant”, is going to come to full expression during the upcoming visit of “my friend Narendra Modi”.

Outlining steps taken by his government to strengthen Israel's cyber security apparatus, Netanyahu argued the need for such an investment by saying that it was not only a “serious threat”, but also a “serious business”.

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