Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Feb 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday held delegation-level discussions in Jerusalem, marking the final day of the Indian leader’s two-day State Visit to Israel.

The talks were attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and senior officials from both sides, underscoring the strategic depth of the bilateral partnership.

Earlier in the day, Modi called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog, where discussions focused on expanding cooperation in education, start-ups, innovation, technology and connectivity. During the meeting, Modi thanked Herzog for his continued support in strengthening the India-Israel relationship and explored new avenues to deepen collaboration.

As part of his visit, Modi planted a tree in the Presidential Gardens under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative and extended an invitation to President Herzog to visit India soon.

Before the high-level engagements, the Prime Minister paid homage at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem. Accompanied by Netanyahu and Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan, Modi laid a wreath in memory of Holocaust victims, toured the Book of Names — which commemorates 4.8 million Jewish victims — and participated in a memorial ceremony at the Hall of Remembrance. He also signed the guest book. This marked his second visit to Yad Vashem, having previously paid tribute there in 2017.

During the visit, Modi received a ceremonial welcome in Tel Aviv from Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu. He later addressed a special plenary session of the Knesset in Jerusalem, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to deliver an address at Israel’s Parliament.