New Delhi, February 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Israel starting Wednesday. The Jerusalem Post highlights this visit as a significant milestone in the relationship between India and Israel, stating, “Two ancient nations have begun a new chapter.”
PM Modi is set to arrive in Israel amid a period of heightened activity in bilateral relations. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will review the progress of their strategic partnership and discuss next steps in areas such as defense and security, science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, trade, economy, and people-to-people connections. During his visit, Modi will also meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
The report notes that Israel has long viewed India as a crucial ally, and this visit is seen as an opportunity to prioritize India’s strategic interests. The relationship between the two nations reflects trust, history, and political understanding, although the pace of implementation has been relatively slow compared to the potential.
An article titled “The Modi Doctrine” by Amichai Stern references Modi’s historic visit in 2017, when he became the first Indian Prime Minister to land at Ben Gurion Airport. This visit was regarded as the end of decades of diplomatic hesitation.
Former Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former Israeli Ambassador to India, Alon Ushpiz, remarked that there has been a clear and personal shift in New Delhi’s approach. He noted that Modi understands and appreciates Israel.
In an analytical piece, Herb Keinon emphasized that this visit is not merely a formality or about agreements; it occurs within a changing global geopolitical landscape. In 2017, Netanyahu welcomed Modi, stating that Israel had long awaited this moment. It is noteworthy that India voted against the establishment of Israel in the United Nations in 1947, and full diplomatic relations were only established in 1992.
Another report by journalist Jvika Klein cites Indian Ambassador to Israel JP Singh, stating that this visit will initiate a “new phase” in bilateral relations. Occurring nearly nine years later, this visit is significant both symbolically and practically.
According to the report, as soon as PM Modi sets foot on Israeli soil, a new chapter in India-Israel relations will commence. This visit is anticipated to signal a fresh start politically and strategically, with hopes of deepening cooperation between New Delhi and Jerusalem.
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