[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Netanyahu will be with Modi almost throughout the visit, says Israeli envoy<\/p>\n
Next week Prime Minister Narendra Modi will create history by visiting Israel, first by any Indian Prime Minister since its creation in 1948. He will have detailed discussion with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on all matters of mutual interest and call on President Reuven Revlin.<\/p>\n
He will also be the first Indian dignitary skipping a visit to Palestine while visiting Israel. Traditionally most foreign dignitaries visit both sides of the rival territories.<\/p>\n
PM\u2019s visit, coinciding with the completion of 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, will provide an impetus to bilateral engagement, sources in Ministry of External Affairs<\/a> said. India and Israel established diplomatic ties in 1992.<\/p>\n Daniel Carmon, Israeli Ambassador to India, while speaking to an Indian journalist on Wednesday, said that PM\u2019s visit is being accorded considerable importance by the Israeli government. Netanyahu will be at Modi\u2019s side for almost the whole of two and a half day visit.\u00a0 Some 40 to 50 Israeli dignitaries will receive him at the airport, an honor accorded only to Pope and the US President, he added.<\/p>\n The Israeli cabinet on Sunday passed a resolution outlining a strategic partnership with India in a host of non-security areas, such as water, agriculture, space, health, investment and even bringing Bollywood to Israel. The Israeli government has sanctioned 70 million dollars to facilitate the partnership.<\/p>\n Before the beginning of cabinet meeting Benjamin Netanyahu was quoted as saying, \u201cIn the 70 years of the country\u2019s existence no Indian Prime Minister has ever visited and this is further expression of Israel\u2019s strength.\u201d<\/p>\n One of his official tweets said: \u201cThis is a very significant step in strengthening relations between the two countries. Ties between Israel & India are on a constant upswing.\u201d<\/p>\n Among the most important deals expected to be signed during PM\u2019s visit include 1.5 billion dollars agreement for buying Spike anti-tank missiles for the Indian army and Barak-8 air defense missiles for the Navy.\u00a0 Recently Israel Aerospace Industries had announced a two billion mega missile pact that will give Indian forces an advanced defense system of medium range surface to air missiles. It was considered to be Israel\u2019s biggest defense contract.<\/p>\n India<\/a> is the largest buyer of Israeli military equipment, while Israel is India\u2019s largest customer after Russia.<\/p>\n The Israeli enthusiasm of welcoming Modi was indicated by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu through a series of his tweets on June 25, three days before formal announcement by New Delhi.<\/p>\n Next week, the Indian Prime Minister, my friend, <\/em>@NarendraModi<\/em><\/a> will arrive in Israel, This is an historic visit to Israel. <\/em><\/p>\n – PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM)\u00a0June 25, 2017<\/a><\/p>\n