The two leaders' exuberance for warming bilateral ties has taken the form of bear hugs and greetings on social media.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has capped a historic three-day visit to Israel with a barefoot stroll along the Mediterranean shore with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.
The two leaders' exuberance for warming bilateral ties has taken the form of bear hugs, greetings on social media and pledges for increased trade and cooperation.
Modi and Netanyahu on Thursday paid their respects to Indian soldiers killed fighting with the British Army during World War I before taking a spin on the beach in an Israeli-designed mobile desalination buggy.
The two sipped water produced by the machine, served in wine glasses, before wading ankle-deep into the surf.
Israeli agriculture and water technology have been a major draw for Indian investment and the subject of several deals signed during Modi's visit.
Close Enough 😂😂 #ModiInIsrael pic.twitter.com/81AAwF9OA2
— Chicken Biryanii (@ChickenBiryanii) July 6, 2017
אין כמו ללכת לים עם חברים!
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 6, 2017
There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!@narendramodi pic.twitter.com/bmVNbQNdgt
Aj blue hai 🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
— Imaan Sheikh (@sheikhimaan) July 6, 2017
Aur din bhi ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Ajao on the beach 🏖️ yara photo meri kheench 📸
Phooti kismat hogi teri gar tu ne ye baat na mani pic.twitter.com/HjiKbfOYw7
#ModiInIsrael at last mil hi gye bhai sahab 😜😜😂😂 pic.twitter.com/WGxzDOiM6f
— Prasoon singh (@prasoons79) July 6, 2017
यहाँ रायता नहीं फैलाने दूँगा तुझे। चल नीचे हो जा। #ModiInIsrael #ModiIsraelVisit #IndiaIsraelFriendship pic.twitter.com/hBVrkhyBe9
— मिस्टर रजा (@IngloriousSadhu) July 6, 2017
Modi - Behne de mujhe behne de
— Pranay Tiwari (@pranayom) July 6, 2017
Netanyahu - Rehne de bhai rehne de...#ModiInIsrael pic.twitter.com/YJ2vixtkJU
India-Israel CEOs Forum: New chapter in bilateral ties, says Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said a new chapter has been opened in bilateral ties as deals worth $5 billion were signed at the first CEOs Forum of Indian and Israeli companies here and an India-Israel Innovation Fund was launched to connect start-ups and innovators of the two countries.
"A new chapter has been opened in India-Israel relations. The driving force is opportunities for betterment of lives of people," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while addressing the chief executives of India and Israel.
The CEOs Forum set a target of increasing bilateral trade from the current $5 billion to $20 billion within five years. The Forum also set up six joint committees covering the start-up, pharma and life sciences, homeland security, agriculture, energy and water sectors.
I thank the people and Government of Israel for their hospitality. This successful visit will add more energy to India-Israel relations. pic.twitter.com/sreMPExX9i
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2017
Modi informed Israel's corporate leaders about India having resolved many regulatory and policy issues that were being faced by businesses and companies.
"GST is by far the biggest business and economic reform of India. Now, we're moving towards a modern tax regime, which is transparent, stable and predictable," he said.
He lauded Israel's reputation as a "start-up nation".
"It has a unique sense and ecosystem of innovation and incubation. Credit must go to the Israeli entrepreneurs."
Thank you my friend, PM @netanyahu for the signed photo, your kind words, amazing hospitality & passion towards #IndiaIsraelFriendship. pic.twitter.com/1jUtMG3F85
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2017
"There is a lot of potential for India-Israel partnership in Start-up India. I am happy that India-Israel start-up bridge has been formally launched today," he added.
Modi, along with Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday launched an India-Israel Innovation Bridge designed to link start-up companies and innovators of the two countries.
The bridge is aimed at benefitting Israeli companies and India in areas like agricultural technology, water technology and digital healthcare.
אני מודה לעם ישראל וממשלת ישראל על האירוח החם. ביקור מוצלח זה יוסיף אנרגיות חדשות ביחסי הודו-ישראל. pic.twitter.com/ZeYS3eE4xk
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2017
While India has 157.35 million hectares of agricultural land, there are over 500 Israeli agricultural technology companies.
Similarly, while India is the largest user of ground water, Israel is the largest investor in water technology.
There will be over 600 million people seeking affordable healthcare by 2018. Israel, with over 385 companies in the digital health sector, can provide a solution.
Modi and Netanyahu started their engagements on Thursday by laying floral wreaths at the Haifa Indian Cemetery that contains the graves of 49 Commonwealth servicemen killed in World War I, 44 of whom were Indians.
Haifa was captured by the Mysore and Jodhpur Lancers from Turkish and German forces on September 23, 1918.
At Haifa, paid tributes to the brave Indian soldiers who fought courageously in the First World War. pic.twitter.com/2D7UYKhHwh
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2017
In a highly sombre atmosphere, Modi and Netanyahu also jointly unveiled a plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh, who led the Jodhpur Lancers.
On their way from Haifa to Tel Aviv, the two leaders witnessed a demonstration of sea water purification at a mobile desalination plant.
The mobile plant can purify up to 20,000 litres of sea water a day and 80,000 litres of brackish, muddy or contaminated river water and bring it to WHO standards.
Here is some good news for the Indian diaspora in Israel. pic.twitter.com/MQn38cRq0U
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2017
It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water.
Modi also met a group of Indian students here before leaving for Hamburg, Germany, where he will attend the G20 Summit on July 7-8.
The Indian leader arrived here on Tuesday in what was the first ever prime ministerial visit from India to Israel.
During the course of the visit, the India-Israel bilateral relationship was upgraded to a strategic partnership.
It was an emotional moment to meet young Moshe, his maternal & paternal grandparents and Ms Sandra Solomon, his nanny. pic.twitter.com/jI93JBSDp1
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 5, 2017
