Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in India to deepen links
NEW DELHI — India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu in Hebrew and stressed the close friendship between the two leaders and their countries as officials from both sides signed several agreements Monday on defence, trade, energy and agricultural ties.
The Israeli prime minister arrived in India on Sunday for a six-day visit, his first to India. He was met on the tarmac by Modi who engulfed him in his trademark bear hug and later hosted Netanyahu and his wife at a private dinner.
“My good friend, welcome to India,” Modi said addressing Netanyahu as the two men addressed reporters after their bilateral meeting Monday. He also referred to him as “my friend Bibi” and Netanyahu in return referred to Modi by his first name.
Earlier Monday Netanyahu inspected a ceremonial guard of honour at India’s presidential palace and laid a floral wreath at the memorial of India’s independence leader Mohandas Gandhi.