Deepening bilateral ties in focus as Jaishankar calls on President Herzog, PM Bennett
Jerusalem/New Delhi, Oct 20 (FN Agency) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and said that India and Israel will work even more closely to realise their partnership’s vision for the next 30 years. Jaishankar, who met the two leaders separately, said his conversation with President Herzog covered changes in the geopolitical landscape. President Herzog in his comments praised the flourishing Israel-India relationship and stressed on promoting and strengthening the ties. During his talks with PM Bennett the two sides held warm and rich discussions on realizing the full potential of the strategic partnership. Jaishankar said PM Bennett’s sharing of his strategic perspectives was also very valuable. “Delighted to call on President @Isaac_Herzog.
Our conversation covered changes in the geopolitical landscape. “Deeply appreciate his visible commitment to taking our bilateral ties to the next level,” he posted. President Herzog tweeted on the talks: “Two ancient nations, two proud democracies. Energizing discussion today with @DrSJaishankar, FM of our close friend and partner India. Great promise for Israeli-Indian collaboration on tech, trade, energy and more. There is so much we can do with our combined creativity.” The Israeli Embassy in India tweeted on the talks: “President Herzog praised the flourishing Israel-India relationship and emphasized on promoting and strengthening the ties. They also discussed Israeli-Indian collaboration in various fields.” On his talks with Prime Minister Bennett, the EAM said: “Thank Prime Minister @naftalibennett for receiving me today. Conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi “A warm and rich discussion on realizing the full potential of our strategic partnership. PM Bennett’s purposeful and focused approach to it was deeply encouraging.
“His sharing of his strategic perspectives was also very valuable. “India and Israel will work even more closely to realize their partnership’s vision for the next 30 years.” In a readout of the meeting, which took place in the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem, the Prime Minister’s Media Adviser said the two “discussed strengthening the strategic alliance, expanding bilateral ties and deepening the warm friendship between Israel and India”. Prime Minister Bennett thanked the External Affairs Minister and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their personal commitment to the partnership between Israel and India. Prime Minister Bennett said: “I speak on behalf of Israelis: We love India. We view India as a huge friend and we’re looking forward to expanding our relationship in all fields and all dimensions. I look forward to a very productive meeting.” On behalf of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar invited Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to make his first official visit to India, it said. The meeting was the first high-level contact between the two sides since Prime Minister Bennett took over in June.