Israel to offer a red carpet welcome for PM Modi
Israel is set to roll out the red carpet for PM Modi, the first Indian PM to visit the country. Highlighting the importance of the visit, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu recently termed " a very significant step", while speaking at a weekly cabinet meeting. Netanyahu is also purported to personally welcome and accompany his friend for events scheduled during his visit from July 4-6.
Music for Modi's ears
Liora Itzhak, an Indian-origin Israeli singer, who received Indian classical music training in India will be singing both the national anthems at Modi's welcome. Itzhak has also sung for Bollywood movies!
What has been planned for PM Modi's visit?
Modi is set to be welcomed by 40-50 Israeli dignitaries, an honour only offered to the Pope and the US President. "PM will hold detailed discussions with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on all matters of mutual interest. He will also call on president Reuven Rivlin", noted the MEA official statement. He is also scheduled to interact with top Israeli CEOs and the Indian diaspora.
What else has been planned?
Modi is also scheduled to visit the Yad Vashem (Holocaust museum) and pay his respects at a memorial for Indian martyrs in World War I at Haifa. He is also scheduled to interact with Moshe, a 26/11 survivor who was saved by an Indian nanny.
Is the Modi wave getting to Israeli media?
Israeli media has been raving about Modi's visit, crediting the personal chemistry between Modi and Netanyahu for strengthening ties and a 'perceived policy change'. Drawing a comparison to President Trump's recent visit, business daily, "The Marker" noted that, Modi a leader of one of the world's fastest growing economies deserves due attention. The Jerusalem Post even set up a separate link: "Modi's visit".
What could get done?
While there has been a concentrated focus on the defence aspect of India-Israel relations, Indian and Israeli sources have indicated that the current visit focuses on non-security aspects including water technology. Israeli cabinet further recently approved decisions including setting up a $40 million joint fund for bilateral business co-operation. The two countries are also expected to ink many MoUs.
Welcome Bollywood!
Ahead of Modi's visit, the cabinet has approved partnership with India across key areas including space, health, agriculture and tourism and even looked to provide incentives to Bollywood to shoot films in Israel. Joint government projects in water technology and agriculture have also been approved.
