Israel visit: Indian diaspora taken with PM Modi's charm
What's the story
PM Modi scheduled his trademark interaction with the Indian diaspora during his Israel trip, at the end of an eventful second day. Addressing Indians at the Tel Aviv Convention Centre, with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu by his side, he lauded the contributions made by the Jewish community to India and Indian-origin Israelis to Israel. Let's see what he said to woo the Indian diaspora!
Modi's visit
What has happened so far?
Both Modi and Netanyahu highlighted the historic nature of the visit and the cultural and ideological similarities between the two nations. They further vowed to work together on common interests including counter terrorism. India and Israel inked seven agreements to bolster co-operation in areas including water conservation and space and set up a $40 million-Technology Innovation Fund, intended for research and development.
Praises
Modi lauds Indian community for their contributions
Modi addressed over 6000 Israeli people of Indian-origin, along with the Mayors of major Israeli cities. Many were 'overjoyed' and 'proud' to be able to welcome an Indian PM after a 70 year-long hiatus. Acknowledging the contributions of Jews to the Indian society, PM praised Israeli-Indians for 'making the desert bloom' through their contributions to the agricultural sector and the health sector.
Reforms & governance
Modi flaunts "ache din" and governance
PM Modi stated that his governance mantra is 'reform, perform and transform'. Presenting the recently introduced Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a means of India's economic integration, he termed it 'Good and Simple Tax'. Modi further highlighted that India aims to realize housing, water and electricity for all and double farmers' income by 2022. He also highlighted the success of 'Make in India'.
Information
Easier OCI cards and a flight to Mumbai!
Inviting youngsters and the Indian diaspora to connect India and Israel, PM Modi promised to establish an Indian Cultural Centre in Tel Aviv. He also promised a Mumbai-Tel Aviv flight and vowed to relax rules for obtaining Overseas Citizen of India cards for Indian-origin Israelis.