Netanyahu in India for first visit by Israeli PM in 15 years
CGTN
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a six-day visit, with an aim to bolster bilateral defense and trade ties.
This is the first visit by an Israeli prime minister to India in 15 years, the last being Ariel Sharon in 2003.
Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, along with a 130-member delegation, were received at the international airport in New Delhi by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who became the first Indian leader to visit Israel in July.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as they deliver joint statements during an exchange of co-operation agreements ceremony in Jerusalem, July 5, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as they deliver joint statements during an exchange of co-operation agreements ceremony in Jerusalem, July 5, 2017. /Reuters Photo

"This visit is an opportunity to enhance cooperation with a global economic, security, technology and tourism power," Netanyahu said in a statement ahead of his visit. "Indian Prime Minister Modi is a close friend of Israel and of mine."
"Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations," Modi said on Twitter.
Modi is scheduled to host a dinner for Netanyahu on Sunday evening, while Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will also meet the Israeli leader later in the day, sources said.
On Monday, the visiting Israeli prime minister will meet Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and have further meetings with Modi, sources said.
Netanyahu and his wife will visit the iconic Taj Mahal on Tuesday and will go to the Indian Prime Minister's home state of Gujarat, where the two leaders will hold a joint road show on Wednesday.
Israel and India will announce deals and joint investments in areas ranging from defense to renewable energy, Gilad Cohen, deputy director-general of Israel's Foreign Ministry said.
3786km
Source(s): AFP ,Xinhua News Agency