Netanyahu calls India a world power: 10 things he said on Indo-Israeli ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday set aside protocol to personally receive his Israeli counterpart and "friend" with a warm hug as he arrived in New Delhi on a six-day visit

Relations between India and Israel are like a "marriage made in heaven" and just one negative vote at the United Nations (UN) cannot change the dynamics between the two nations, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on a six-day visit to India that started on Sunday.ay

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday set aside protocol to personally receive his Israeli counterpart and "friend" with a warm hug as he arrived in New Delhi on a six-day visit to step up growing trade as well as military and strategic ties between the two countries. As Netanyahu and his wife Sara stepped on the red carpet at the airport, a smiling Modi embraced the Israeli leader and then shook hands with the couple.

"Welcome to India, my friend Netanyahu! Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations," Modi tweeted in English and Hebrew. Netanyahu quickly responded. "Thank you to my good friend Narendra Modi for the warm welcome."

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Modi and Netanyahu, who have developed a close friendship, exchanging greetings on social media on various occasions and hugging each other heartily, will hold talks on a range of issues on Monday after President Ram Nath Kovind formally welcomes the Israeli leader at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The visit, which marks 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, comes six months after Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Jewish state in July last year.

What Netanyahu said about India-Israel ties:

1) India is an 'important world power': Before embarking on the flight to India, Netanyahu said his trip was intended to strengthen bilateral relations "even more".
"This visit is an opportunity to enhance cooperation with a global economic, security, technology and tourism power," he said. "Modi is a close friend of Israel and of mine and I appreciate the fact that he will accompany me on extensive parts of my visit." He said that strengthening the relationship between Israel and "this important world power... helps us with security, the economy, trade, tourism and many other aspects".

2) One vote at the UN won't impact ties: In December last year, India voted in favour of a resolution brought by Turkey and Yemen in the UN opposing the United States' decision recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The resolution was approved with 127-9 at the UN General Assembly.

However, Netanyahu set aside concerns that the vote in question would hamper ties. "I don't think one vote affects a general trend you can see in many other votes and everything and these visits," Netanyahu said when asked to comment on India's vote at the UN, in an interview on an Indian TV channel.

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3) But, Israel was 'disappointed': While India's vote at the UN would not hamper ties, Netanyahu did add that Israel was "disappointed" by India's position in the matter. "Yes, naturally we were disappointed, but this visit is a testimony that our relationship is moving on so many fronts, be it political, technological, tourism, security and so many other areas. Ultimately, you see it reflected in all UN votes, not just now but soon," he said....