Israeli PM Netanyahu Bids Farewell to India With a B’Town Selfie
Catch live updates of Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s India visit here.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Bollywood stars and visited the 26/11 memorial on the last leg of his India tour on 18 January. Netanyahu also met with Moshe Holtzberg, the eleven-year-old Mumbai siege survivor at the Nariman House, which houses the Indian Jew community.
India and Israel signed nine MoUs, including key bilateral agreements in cyber cooperation, science and technology, during Netanyahu’s six-day India trip.
- Netanyahu and his wife visited the 26/11 attack sites, and attended a gala dinner with Bollywood celebs during their time in Mumbai
- On 17 January, Netanyahu and Modi inaugurated the iCreate Center in Ahmedabad
- At the Raisina Dialogue, Netanyahu said that India and Israel were bound together by the ‘value of democracy’
- To commemorate the visit, New Delhi’s Teen Murti Chowk has been formally renamed Teen Murti-Haifa Chowk
Netanyahu Recreates 'Oscar' Moment, Clicks Selfie With Bollywood Stars
Recreating the viral 'Oscar selfie', which featured several Hollywood stars in one picture, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Thursday night, posed with Bollywood actors as a sign of the "great friendship" between India and Israel.
Netanyahu was at the 'Shalom Bollywood' event in Mumbai, where top stars from the industry were present, including Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan, and filmmaker Karan Johar.
Netanyahu Visits the 26/11 Memorial, Meets 'Baby Moshe'
Accompanied by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Israeli PM Netanyahu laid a wreath at the 26/11 memorial at the iconic Taj hotel, under a heavy security blanket.
Netanyahu also visited the nearby Chabad House, where he met 11-year-old Moshe Holtzberg, an Israeli national whose father Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and mother Rivka were killed at the Jewish cultural outreach centre during the attack.
Moshe, who received a memento from Netanyahu, in his short address invited the Israeli prime minister for his `Bar Mitzvah' (a coming-of-age ritual which Jewish boys undergo when they turn 13).
Netanyahu later met members of the Jewish community at the Taj hotel.
"Acknowledge Jewish Community's Role in India's Development": Fadnavis
In his speech at the India-Israel Business Summit, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the state “acknowledged” the contributions made by the Jewish community belonging to the same and across India as well, reports Firspost.
He also mentioned that Maharashtra was the "right place” to form an alliance between the nations. Along with this, he put in a mention about farmer welfare and said that he hoped to work with Israel to achieve the same purpose, the report adds.
Netanyahu to Lay Wreath at Memorial for 26/11 Victims
The Israeli Prime Minister is also scheduled to lay wreath the a memorial that is being held for the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks, later on in the day. He will also visit the Nariman House, where he will meet 11-year-old Moshe Holtzberg or ‘Baby Moshe’ as he is better known, whose parents were killed in attacks, says PTI.
Baby Moshe is currently in India, for his first visit back since the 26/11 attacks.
The Jewish couple used to run a cultural and outreach centre for the Chabad-Lubavitch movement at the Nariman House in Colaba, reports PTI.
Netanyahu Addresses the India-Israel Business Summit
Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke about how two nations that are as focused on innovation as India and Israel , should come together to “define the future” at the India-Israel Summit he was addressing in Mumbai on Thursday, reports ANI.
Netanyahu to Address India-Israel Business Summit, Meet B-Town Actors
Israel PM Netanyahu is scheduled to address the India-Israel Business Summit at the Taj hotel in South Mumbai, which will also be attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, reports The Indian Express.
Later in the day, he will attend the ‘Shalom Bollywood’ event, which is aimed at promoting bilateral cooperation and collaboration in the field of entertainment. The Israeli PM and his wife will also meet a few Bollywood stars, who will join them for a gala dinner.
Muslim Organisations Protest Netanyahu's Mumbai Visit
Several Muslim organisations staged a protest on Wednesday, ahead of Israel PM Netanyahu’s Mumbai visit, reports Indian Express.
Netanyahu to Meet Mumbai's Jewish Community
Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with the Jewish Community of Mumbai, who will mark his visit with the launch of ‘Namaste Shalom’, a monthly magazine about the bilateral relations between Israel and India, reports Firstpost.
The launch of the magazine is to take place at Magen David Synagogue at Byculla on Thursday, reports PTI. The magazine had earlier received congratulatory messages from the likes of Prime Minister Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and Daniel Carmon, the Israeli Ambassador to India.
Netanyahu Meets Indian CEOs in Mumbai
Israel PM Netanyahu met with several Indian CEOs in Mumbai on Thursday morning for breakfast at the Taj Hotel. The “future belongs to those who innovate,” he told the gathering, reports PTI. Ajay Piramal, Rahul Bajaj, Adi Godrej, Harsh Goenka, Anand Mahindra, Dilip Shanghvi, Ashok Hinduja, Atul Punj and Chanda Kochhar attended the meeting.
Netanyahu’s statement seems to keep in line with Modi’s speech at the iCreate Center in Ahmedabad, where he said that innovation was fostering relations between India and Israel and that both countries were focusing on developing their respective startup ecosystems.
Netanyahu and Sara Netanyahu Arrive at Mumbai
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife Sara, reached Mumbai on Wednesday evening as per schedule.
In Mumbai, the Netanyahu's were greeted by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who later tweeted out that Maharashtra was extremely excited to “collaborate” with Israel over agriculture. sustainable irrigation and technologies for security.
Scrapped $500 Million Missile Deal with India Back on Track: Netanyahu
Prime Minister Netanyahu on Wednesday said that India would buy Israel's Spike anti-tank guided missiles, a $500 million defence deal that India had reportedly taken off the table, a few weeks ago, reports PTI. The finer details of the deal were still being figured out, the PM reportedly said.
According to NDTV, part of the reason why India had decided to scrap the deal, was when the Israeli side had expressed their doubts in the provisions that marked a “full transfer of technology”, as per the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Netanyahu Leaves For Mumbai
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, 17 January, departed from Ahmedabad to Mumbai.
PM Modi, Netanyahu Address Centre of Excellence in Gujarat's Vadrad
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing an audience at the Centre of Excellence in Vadrad, said that India has a leader and has a “vision."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the other hand, said that Israel gas has revolutionised the agriculture sector with the help of science and technology. He thanked Netanyahu for taking time out to talk to Indian farmers.
PM Modi, Netanyahu Visit Vadrad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu, along with his wife Sara Netanyahu visited the Centre of Excellence in Gujarat's Vadrad.
"iCreate Will Put India on Global Map of Innovation": Modi
In his speech at the iCreate Center, Prime Minister Modi said that that he was extremely grateful to Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu for accepting his invitation to come to India.
“In terms of innovation, I am confident that the young team of innovators working with the iCreate Center will put India on the global map,” said Modi.
Netanyahu and Wife, Sara Felicitated by CM Vijay Rupani
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara were felicitated by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who presented them with traditional artefacts.
“I am delighted to be here at iCreate. The world knows about iPods, it knows about iPads... it’s time to know about the third ‘i’- iCreate!” said Netanyahu in a speech he conducted at the event, reports ANI.
Modi, Netanyahu Inaugurate iCreate Center
After their visit to the Sabarmati Ashram, Modi and Netanyahu inaugurated the iCreate Center at Ahmedabad’s Deo Dholera Village.
The iCreate Center was set up with the objective to encourage entrepreneurship by combining creativity, innovation, engineering, product design and leveraging emerging technologies, in order to tackle various social issues such as food shortage, clean water and others that are common problems in the country, reports ANI.
Modi, Netanyahu and Wife Fly Kites at Sabarmati
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, flew kites at the ashram.
Modi, Netanyahu at Sabarmati Ashram
At Sabarmati Ashram, the dignitaries were greeted by women who garlanded them while singing local songs.
Modi and Netanyahu's Roadshow in Ahmedabad Commences
The two leaders conducted a 14-km long roadshow in Ahmedabad on their way to the Sabarmati Ashram, reports ANI.
Netanyahu and Wife, Sara, Arrive in Ahmedabad
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, arrive in Ahmedabad. They are received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Jewish Population in Gujarat Hope for "Minority Status"
Several members of the Jewish community have reportedly gathered outside the Sabarmati Ashram, where Modi and Netanyahu are expected to visit.
According to Indian Express, the community which comprises about 300 people in Gujarat, are hopeful that Netanyahu’s visit could accelerate the process of them getting “minority status” in Gujarat.
PM Modi Arrives in Ahmedabad to Receive Netanyahu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Ahmedabad to receive Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, who are expected shortly, reports ANI.
Preparations Underway for Inauguration of iCreate Center
Preparations are in full-swing for the inauguration of the iCreate Center at Deo Dholera Village in Ahmedabad, where Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu are expected later in the day, reports ANI.
Later in the day, they leaders are scheduled to dedicate a mobile water desalination van to Suigam Taluka, of Banaskantha district, via video link, reported ANI.
Security Beefed up Ahead of Modi-Netanyahu Roadshow
PM Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu will take part in a 14-km-long roadshow in Ahmedabad today.
The two leaders will arrive at 10.30 am in Ahemdabad, and visit the Sabarmati Ashram. Security deployments are in place ahead of the visit, reported ANI, with units being deployed at high-rise building along the route of the roadshow.
Read more about the security arrangements on The Quint.
PM Modi, Netanyahu Attend Raisina Dialogue
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israel counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu attend the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on Tuesday, 16 January. Addressing the event, Netanyahu said that the most important thing that binds India and Israel together “is the value of democracy.”
“I believe the secret to Israel and India’s successes are the same thing – a combination of traditional values and innovation. What also binds us together is the most important of all, that we have a special relationship with a commitment to democracy,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu to Gift Desalinisation Jeep to Modi
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu will present his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi a special gift - the Gal-Mobile water desalinisation and purification jeep the two leaders rode on Israel's Olga beach last year.
Netanyahu and Modi waded into the Mediterranean Sea and rode the "buggy" jeep on the coast during the latter's visit to Israel in July last year.
The jeep is said to cost around 390,000 shekels (approximately USD 111,000).
Netanyahu Visits Taj Mahal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with his wife Sara today visited the 17th century Mughal monument Taj Mahal.
He was accorded a traditional welcome by Braj folk artists on his arrival at the airport.
The dignitaries spent some time at Hotel Amar Vilas before leaving for the monument in golf carts.
In view of the Israeli prime minister's visit, the Taj Mahal remained closed for over two hours for tourists.
The route from the Kheria Airport to the Taj Mahal was sealed and extra security arrangements were made.
According to officials, the visiting dignitary will have lunch at Hotel Amar Vilas before leaving for New Delhi.
Netanyahu Received in Agra By UP CM Yogi Adityanath
Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu was received by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Agra at the Kheria Airport.
Agra Decks Up Ahead of Netanyahu's Visit
The streets of Agra saw posters welcoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, amid tight security, ahead of his scheduled visit. Netanyahu is expected to visit the Taj Mahal today.
India, Israel Announce 'I4Fund' Call for R&D Projects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu announced joint research and development projects under the India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F), on Monday, 15 January.
The 'I4Fund Call for Proposal' was announced with the launch of a website as well as the unveiling of a brochure by the two prime ministers at the India-Israel Business Summit in New Delhi.
The fund was announced in July, 2017 during Modi's visit to Israel. Under this, the Department of Science and Technology, India and the National Innovation Authority of Israel have established a USD 40 million fund.
Through this flagship bilateral programme in the field of science, technology and innovation, support will be extended to research and development (R&D) projects, official sources said.
Modi, Netanyahu Call for an 'India-Israel Innovation Bridge'
PM Modi and his Israeli counterpart addressed the India-Israel CEOs forum in New Delhi on Monday.
Thanking PM Modi for his "magnificent hospitality and friendship", Netanyahu said:
Meanwhile, PM Modi started his address by talking about the fruitful interactions both he and Netanyahu with CEOs of both the countries.
Modi outlined India's motto of "Reform, Perform and Transform", adding that the country has "worked sincerely on ease of doing business".
Modi also talked about the India-Israel Innovation Bridge, saying that it will act as a link between the startups of the two sides.
He also brought up the opening up of various sectors for FDI and called India "among the most open economies".
Israeli PM Netanyahu's Official Handle Tweets in Hindi
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's official handle has been tweeting in Hindi about his visit to India and his meeting with PM Narendra Modi.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu, through his personal handle, also said how the two countries can achieve trememdous things for their people when they join their respective talents together.
Netanyahu Meets President Ram Nath Kovind
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu met President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday.
India's Ambassador to Israel Speaks on Indo-Israeli Ties
India's Ambassador to Israel Pavan Kapoor spoke about Indo-Israeli ties at a press conference on Monday, 15 January.
“There is no stoppage or ban on any religious pilgrimage. A large number of Indians who go to Israel, go for the purpose of religious pilgrimage,” Kapoor added.
'Warm' Relations between India and Palestine, says MEA
Speaking about Isreal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to India and his meeting with his Indian counterpart, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (economic relations) Vijay Gokhale said:
Gokhale added that the two Prime Ministers were extremely pleased by the outcome of their meeting, with Netanyahu looking forward to his Gujarat visit.
The MEA Secretary said the Palestine issue was also brought up.
Watch: PM Modi, Netanyahu Deliver Joint Press Statement
India and Israel countries signed a total of nine memorandums of understanding (MoU), including key bilateral agreements in cyber cooperation and science and technology.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israel counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, held extensive talks to strengthening ties in the strategic areas of defence and counter-terrorism.
Addressing the joint statement, PM Modi, welcoming his Israeli counterpart, said:
“In PM Netanyahu, I have an equally committed partner who will take forward the relations between Israel and India,” he said. Modi also invited defence firms from Israel to invest through the newly-liberalised FDI norms.
India and Israel will strengthen the existing pillars of cooperation in areas such as agriculture, technology and security, Modi added.
PM Netanyahu lauded Modi for “revolutionising” India through his vision.
Netanyahu said both countries were bound by their “ancient past, vibrant present and promising future.” He also thanked Indians for warming up to the Jewish community.
He said that together the two countries could scale new heights and achieve tremendous things.
Apart from the pact on cyber security, the agreements included cooperation in the oil and gas sector, film co-production, and amendments to an air transport pact.
Modi, Netanyahu to Hold Delegation-Level Talks
PM Modi and Israeli PM Netanyahu arrive at Hyderabad House in New Delhi to hold delegation-level talks. The two leaders are expected to sign several MoUs and agreements.
Left Groups Rally Against Netanyahu
A group of Left party activists protested against Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to India, near India Gate in New Delhi.
Netanyahu, Wife Pay Tributes at Rajghat
Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, in New Delhi.
Watch: Netanyahu Receives Ceremonial Reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan in Delhi, on Monday, 15 January. Speaking at the reception, Netanyahu said:
Looking back at PM Modi’s recent visit to Israel, Netanyahu said that the enthusiastic response to his visit has deeply moved him and the people of Israel.
One UN Vote Can't Change Our Relations: Netanyahu
Dubbing India-Israel relationship as a "marriage made in heaven," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, 14 January, that even though the Jewish state was "disappointed" by India's vote at the UN against the Jerusalem issue, one negative vote will not affect the ties.
Netanyahu said he hoped that his visit to India will strengthen cooperation between the two countries in various areas like technology, agriculture and other spheres that are changing the world.
On being asked to comment on India's vote at UN against the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, he said:
"I don't think one vote affects a general trend you can see in many other votes and these visits," he told India Today in an interview.
Isareli PM Netanayhu Meets Sushma Swaraj
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi. Netanyahu who is accompanied by his wife had a brief conversation with Swaraj after renaming the Teen Murti Haifa Chowk in the capital.
PM Modi, Netanyahu Rename Teen Murti Chowk
Delhi’s Teen Murti Chowk has been renamed Teen Murti Haifa Chowk by PM Modi and his Israeli counterpart Netanyahu. The renaming was done in memory of the supreme sacrifice by Indian soldiers to liberate Haifa in Israel in 1918.
Netanyahu, Modi Arrive at Teen Murti Memorial
Prime Minister Narendra Modi moved on to the Teen Murti Memorial, accompanied by his guest, Benjamin Netanyahu, soon after he received the Israeli PM in the capital.
Both prime ministers, along with Netanyahu’s wife, Sara Netanyahu, will be attending a ceremony where the Teen Murti Chowk will be renamed the Teen Murti Haifa Chowk. At the memorial, all three signed a visitor’s book after the ceremony wrapped up.
Netanyahu Lands in Delhi
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in Delhi for his six-day tour, and was warmly welcomed by PM Modi at the airport.
From the airport, the two leaders will head to the Teen Murti memorial for the renaming ceremony. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj later in the day.
Both prime ministers tweeted their reactions upon Netanyahu’s welcome in the country. While Netanyahu went with a more traditional approach and thanked Modi for the warm welcome, PM Modi took a more effusive approach, tweeting:
“Welcome to India, my friend PM Netanyahu! Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations.”
Netanyahu Leaves for India, Calls the Visit 'Historic'
Keen to strengthen bilateral relations "even more," Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday left for India on a six-day visit along with the largest business delegation that has ever accompanied an Israeli premier on an overseas tour.
"We are strengthening ties between Israel and this important global power. This serves our security, economic, trade and tourism interests, as well as many other areas. This is a great blessing for the State of Israel," he said.
"Indian Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi is a close friend of Israel and of mine and I appreciate the fact that he will accompany me on extensive parts of my visit," Netanyahu said just before leaving for New Delhi.
Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu's India Itinerary
The Israeli Prime Minister will be received by PM Modi, following which, the two prime ministers will move to Teen Murti Memorial for a solemn ceremony.
The leaders will lay a wreath and sign the visitor's book. The ceremony will also mark the formal renaming of Teen Murti Chowk as the Teen Murti-Haifa Chowk by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).
The three bronze statues at Teen Murti represent the Hyderabad, Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers, who were part of the 15 Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade, which carried out the victorious assault on the fortified city of Haifa on 23 September 1918, during World War I.
He will then call upon External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj.
On Monday, Netanyahu will be given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan which will be followed by the wreath laying at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial.
He will meet his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi as well and hold delegation-level talks.
The two sides will sign agreements and also issue a joint press statement, after which the Israeli Prime Minister will call on President Ram Nath Kovind.
Netanyahu will be accompanied by his wife Sara as they will leave for Agra to see Taj Mahal on Tuesday. On the same day, he will visit Delhi and participate in the Raisina Dialogue, where he is scheduled to deliver an inaugural speech.
Netanyahu will leave for Ahmedabad on the fourth day of his tour and visit the Sabarmati Ashram. The minister will also attend an event at the International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology. He will later visit the Centre of Excellence, Vadrad. After which, the minister will leave for Mumbai.
On Thursday, Netanyahu will have a power breakfast with Indian CEOs and attend a business seminar. He will also lay a wreath at Taj Hotel Mumbai and pay a visit to Nariman House – Chabad Centre.
He will also reach out to Bollywood personalities in an exclusive 'Shalom Bollywood' event, that aims at exploring business opportunities for Indian filmmakers in Israel.
Over 150 Speakers From 90 Countries Expected to Take Part in Raisina Dialogue
More than 150 speakers and over 550 delegates from around 90 countries are expected to take part in the third edition of the annual Raisina Dialogue, which will be inaugurated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 16 January.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will also be a part of the inaugural session of the three-day long event, which will see a series of high-powered panel discussions on geopolitical issues.
The event, jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and Observer Research Foundation (ORF), will take place at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi, the organisers said in a statement.
The theme of the dialogue this year is 'Managing Disruptive Transitions: Ideas, Institutions and Idioms', it said.
Army chief General Bipin Rawat and Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba will address a session, along with Admiral Harry Harris, Commander, US Pacific Command, General Chris Deverell, Joint Forces Commander, UK, among others, the statement said.
"Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, former Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harder and former Prime Minister of Sweden Carl Bildt are among more than 150 speakers and over 550 delegates from around 90 countries who are participating in the dialogue," it said.
Inking of Israeli Anti-Tank Missiles Deal Likely During Netanyahu's Visit
Strengthening cooperation in key areas of trade and defence, including a possible inking of a multi-million dollar Israeli anti-tank missiles deal, is on the table during the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with its envoy terming Indo-Israel ties ‘irreversible.’
Israeli Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon also downplayed India's stand at the United Nations General Assembly over the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in place of Tel Aviv, saying New Delhi's view "cannot influence" Indo-Israel ties.
India, last month, had joined 127 other countries to vote in the United Nations General Assembly in favour of a resolution opposing the recent decision of US President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Without going into the contours of a possible agreement for Israeli Spike missiles, Carmon said the Spike project is an example of "Israeli engaging in Make in India" because it can be implemented through partnership between an Israeli company and Indian company.
In November, the Defence ministry had decided to retract the process to acquire a batch of Spike missiles from Israeli firm Rafael Advanced Defence Systems. Now, it is learnt that the government is considering buying the missiles through G-to-G route.
Carmon said that apart from top Israeli officials, a delegation of 130 businessmen will accompany Netanyahu during his visit.
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