Modi leaves for Israel on the first visit of an Indian PM

Modi will be the  first Indian Prime Minister to ever visit the Jewish nation, that too without visiting Palestine in the same trip-which had so far been unthinkable in India's foreign policy that used to attach much more importance on strengthening relationship with Arab nations than being cosy with the world's only Jewish state.

According to reports, Modi is expected to land at the Ben Gurion Airport outside Tel Aviv on Tuesday afternoon  initiating a game-changing process involving India’s public and political approach towards dealing with Israel. 

From Israel Modi is scheduled to go to Germany, where he would attend the G20 Summit in Hamburg.

Modi's  visit, termed as 'important and landmark' for bilateral ties will celebrate 25 yrs of relationship between people, business and farmers of two countries. There will be emphasis on development, innovation, agriculture,water and the connect between our people.

He will hold talks with his Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on a range of issues, including counter-terrorism operations and innovation, science and technology.

In an interview published with pro-government daily Israel Hayom Monday, Modi had said the visit was “based on the deep centuries-old connection between our two peoples.”

“I share the opinion of many of my people, who see Israel as a beacon of technology, as a country that has managed to survive even though the odds were against it.”

The visit is expected to focus on forging new defense and cyber security ties, two areas in which Israel has sought to portrays itself as a world leader.

While  Modi has described Israel as a "very sepcial partner," signifying India's pursuit for a new pasture for the country's growth and development, Israel, which has been in   search of allies to vote in its favor at UN bodies as well as business partners, has also been dubbing the visit 'historic.'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said on Monday : Tomorrow, my friend Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Israel; India is the largest democracy in the world. This is an historic first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel in 70 years and it attests to the fact that our relations with India have become closer in recent years."

"This is the fruit of my and his initiated policy. We discussed it several years ago at our first meeting at the UN in New York and afterward in Davos, and our governments and peoples are sharing in this effort to build a strong friendship between us."

"This visit will deepen cooperation in a range of areas – security, agriculture, water, energy, almost every field in which Israel is engaged. I will accompany the Prime Minister at many events during his visit as befits the leader of the largest democracy in the world."