India-Israel to write anew the history in 21st century, Modi says in Ahmedabad, showcases camaraderie

A day after the two countries signed nine MoUs in various fields, Modi, with Netanyahu by his side all the time, harped on development, technology and innovation- the areas where Israel has excelled- calling for greater cooperation, lavished praises on the visiting premier and  successfully showcased their new-found camaraderie.

Netanyahu's visit  assumes significance given Israel's reputation as being the global hub for start-ups

Speaking at the inauguration of   iCreate Center at Deo Dholera Village in Ahmedabad, Modi said the partnership between India and Israel and the mutual plans of development are good signs for a bright future of the two nations."

"This cooperation between India and Israel, this sense of mutual development is very important for the bright future of both the countries. In the 21st century, these two countries will write a new chapter in the history of humanity,"  he said.

"When I went to Israel last year, I made up my mind that this foundation should have more strong relations with Israel. From that time, I was waiting for my friend Benjamin Netanyahu to come to India. He is here and now we are inaugurating this foundation," the PM said.

The PM said during his visit to Israel in July, 2017, both the countries had established a fund of 40 million US dollars, which will be a joint venture of India and Israel. This will help the talents of both countries to do something new in the direction of technological innovation. This joint venture will focus on food, water, disease relief and the area of energy," said Modi.

Often giving quotes from Albert Einstein to ancient poet Kalidas, Modi stressed on innovation for ensuring the country's development at less expenses.

"Today, it is necessary to innovate to get rid of the problems faced by our young country. How to improve the quality of life of an ordinary person at minimal expense, innovate for it. Today a huge campaign of Clean India is going on in the country. Can we do new innovations on sanitation? Waste to wealth, there are immense possibilities of innovation in this one topic," he said.

Regarding iCreate, Modi said: "The first condition of success is courage. One who can have courage, he can take any decision. I congratulate all young people who are making innovations through iCreate."

The PM also added by saying that he is working towards making all systems in the country "innovation-friendly"

"I am happy that iCreate will help the youth of the country to fulfil their dreams, realize their innovative ideas. I am happy to know about the innovative products of iCreate. As Kalidas once said, "Just because something is old, it is not necessary that it will be good. Similarly, if something is new, it is not necessary that it will be good. We have to maintain the balance."

"Never stop dreaming and never let the dreams die. It is good for children to have high curiosity quotient. Our youth has energy and enthusiasm, all that they want is a little bit of encouragement, network and institutional support," Modi said, quoting Albert Einstein.

He said  the people of Israel have proven to the whole world that the size of the country and the resolve of the countrymen, is what takes a country forward. "Innovation plays a major role in bringing Indian and Israeli people closer."

Netanyahu, who was accompanied all along by his wife Sara, chanted "Jai Bharat Jai Israel" slogan. "PM Narendra Modi and I are both very young and both very optimistic. We are young in our thinking and optimism about the future," he said.

Earlier in the day, Modi and Netanyahu embarked on a grand roadshow along an eight km stretch from the airport to the Sabarmati Ashram.

A huge crowd gave them a rousing reception.

Both the leaders visited the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

Modi was seen literally taking up the role of a guide for Netanyahu and his wife inside the Ashram. The two PMs  also tried their hand at the charkha  and  flew kites.

While Netanyahu was wearing a black suit, Modi was fitted in kurta-pajama.

The two leaders even posed for photo-ops.

The two leaders, accompanied by Netanyahu’s wife Sara, will return to Mumbai in the evening.