PM Narendra Modi's Israel visit, Day 1: As it happened

I once again thank PM Netanyahu and Mrs Netanyahu for the warm welcome, says PM Modi.

My visit celebrate the rich tradition we share as nation, says PM Modi.

PM:We are proud of Jewish sons and daughters of India whose diverse contributions have greatly enriched the fabric of Indian society. pic.twitter.com/XP8HOh029k

— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 4, 2017

India is a fast growing economy and we are using technology and innovation for the progress of our nation, says PM Modi. 

India-Israel ties have seen rapid growth over the last several years, says PM Modi. 

I visited the Yad Vashem Memorial earlier. We must resolutely oppose evils of terrorism, radicalism and violence, says PM Modi.

PM:Those who believe in humanity must come together & defend it.We must oppose evils of terrorism, radicalism &violence that plague our time pic.twitter.com/4eDzfNbxSE

— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 4, 2017

I thank PM Netanyahu and his wife for opening their home to me today, says PM Modi.

PM Modi begins his speech.

Most grateful to their warm and generous hospitality, says PM Modi to Netanyahu. 

We also face common challenges, first of it is to defeat forces of terror. Need to stand and work together, says Netanyahu.

We believe we can together do great things for betterment of future of our people, says Israeli PM.

We are a smaller nation but we are equal in spirit, says Netanyahu.

Welcome Jerusalem my friend, today you have had a look our painful past and our prosperous future, says PM Modi. 

India and Israel are two sister democracies, he adds.

Israeli PM praises PM Modi's enthusiasm for Yoga.

PM Modi we are very excited to have you. We are both tireless reformers, says Netanyahu.

Joint statement of PM Modi and Israeli Premier begins.

And some more pics of the PMs visit to Yad Vashem Memorial pic.twitter.com/IIltc52fKW

— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 4, 2017

Follwing is the full text of PM Modi's message at Yad Vashem:

Here is the full text of PMs message at Yad Vashem pic.twitter.com/PNMT2Mr70d

— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 4, 2017

At Yad Vashem, I paid tributes to the women, men and children whose sacrifices can never be forgotten, tweets PM Modi.

At @yadvashem, I paid tributes to the women, men and children whose sacrifices can never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/rEFwPf0Sb6

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2017

Meanwhile, a photo of PM Modi signing visitors' book at Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem (courtesy - @PIB_India).

A tweet by Israeli PM:

I proposed to PM @narendramodi that we visit the grave of the visionary of our state, Theodor Herzl. He responded immediately and we went. pic.twitter.com/nj16QIuOU7

— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 4, 2017

So that the light of humanity always shines through us. PM pays homage to 6 million lives lost in the Holocaust at Yad Vashem Memorial pic.twitter.com/qeRnTB518t

— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 4, 2017

At Yad Vashem, the leaders spent time at the Hall of Names containing photographs and names of Holocaust victims pic.twitter.com/d9zRuPJMeR

— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 4, 2017

PM Modi pays homage to 6 million lives lost in the Holocaust at Yad Vashem Memorial.

Crysanthumun flower will be named in honour of PM Modi. The flower will be called 'MODI'.

Crysanthumun flower will be named in honour of PM @narendramodi. The flower will be called 'Modi.' pic.twitter.com/4qLALtxHzP

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 4, 2017

PM Modi to visit Yad Vashem shortly, memorial to the victims of the Holocaust⁠⁠⁠.

Also Read - PM Modi hails sacrifices of Israeli PM's brother 41 years ago

A tweet by PM Modi upon reaching Tel Aviv.

He says, "Hello Israel. Today I begin a special and historic visit with the aim of further strengthening the relations between India and Israel."

Hello Israel! Today I begin a special & historic visit with the aim of further strengthening the relations between India and Israel. pic.twitter.com/q8mfeaciIu

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2017

Also Read - PM Narendra Modi, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visit Danziger Flower Farm in Israel

Beginning with a focus on agriculture...PM @narendramodi visits the Danziger Flower Farm. pic.twitter.com/LUQOMGTws8

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 4, 2017

Reaffirming potential of deeper cooperation in Agriculture!
PMs visit Danziger Flower farm-a leading facility for R&D in plant varieties pic.twitter.com/4Krb4lUu25

— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 4, 2017

PM Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu reach the Danziger Flower Farm that houses one of Israel's leading floriculture companies and meet the employees there. 

At the Danziger Flower Farm, advanced agriculture technologies were showcased by the Israeli government.

The two leaders were briefed about the research technologies being used there for floriculture.

A truly historic visit begins!
PM @narendramodi lands for the first visit by an Indian PM to @Israel .Visit marks 25 yrs of the spcl p'ship pic.twitter.com/fKMGFI0HBK

— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 4, 2017

PM Modi being introduced to Netanyahu's ministers.

I once again thankyou for the warm welcome, says PM Modi.

I am keen to interact with Indian diaspora in Israel, including large number of Jews of Indian origin, says PM Modi.

PM Modi says "We have to secure our societies against the common threat of terrorism."

"A progressive partnership in all these areas would shape the scope of my conversation with my friend PM Benjamin Netanyahu, adds PM Modi.

This is a ground-breaking visit, says PM Modi.

We consider Israel an important development partner, says PM Modi.

India is an old civilisation but young nation. We have a talented and skilled youth, who are our driving force, says PM Modi.

I thank my friend PM Netanyahu for receiving me. My visit is about the strength of our societies and our strong partnership, says PM Modi.

My honour to be the first ever Indian PM to undertake this ground braking visit to Israel, says PM Modi.

Thankyou PM Netanyahu for welcoming me with such warmth, says PM Modi.

But now, Prime Minister, let me add, we are also cooperating in space, says Netanyahu.

"Partners for peace and prosperity, partners for a better future for humanity," he adds.

I remember what you told me in our first meeting, when it comes to India and Israel relations, the sky is the limit, says Netanyahu to PM Modi.

We have been waiting for you, for a long time. We love India, says Netanyahu to PM Modi.

Israeli PM Netanyahu welcome Indian premier at airport, says 'welcome PM Modi'.

He also says in Hindi, "Aapka swagat hai mere dost" (welcome my friend).

Ceremonial welcome being accorded to PM Modi at airport. 

Israeli national anthem played.

Indian national anthem being played at airport.

PM Modi steps out of his aircraft, his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu receives him.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion Airport.

The Prime Minister has landed in Israel. @IsraeliPM @netanyahu will receive PM @narendramodi marking the start of a special visit.

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 4, 2017

Israel rolls out red carpet for PM Modi.

Watch video tweeted by @IsraeliPM:

WATCH LIVE: Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi arrives in Israelhttps://t.co/aF5L6X4UpM

— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 4, 2017

PM Modi lands in Tel Aviv on a historic visit, becomes the first Indian Priemier to visit Israel.

In a special gesture, PM Modi will also meet 26/11 Mumbai terror attack survivor Holtzberg Moshe, who was only two when he was saved by his Indian nanny Sandra Samuel. 

Moshe's father Rabbi Gavriel and mother Rivkah were among eight Israeli nationals killed in the 2008 terror strike.

Also Read - India to get armed UAVs from Israel soon: All about Heron TP drones

Netanyahu earlier hailed PM Modi's visit as a "very significant step" in strengthening bilateral relations that are on a "constant upswing".

"Next week, the Indian Prime Minister, my friend, Narendra Modi will arrive in Israel, This is a historic visit to Israel. In the 70 years of the country's existence, no Indian Prime Minister has ever visited and this is further expression of the state of Israel's military, economic and diplomatic strength," Netanyahu had said, as per PTI.

"This is a very significant step in strengthening relations between the two countries," he had added.

PM Modi will be received by Netanyahu at the airport. This is a special gesture only accorded to the Pope or the US president.

The Israeli PM will also host a dinner for PM Modi tomorrow.

Netanyahu will accompany PM Modi to most of the events, including the community reception on July 5.

As we wait for PM Modi to land in Tel Aviv, watch the following video showcasing Indo-Israel ties: 

Shalom Namaste - Ties of Friend'p. As #IndiaIsrael celebrate 25 yrs of dip relation'p, have a look at bil relations- https://t.co/Du5oRbSZT2

— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 4, 2017

Following are PM Modi's tweets: 

Tomorrow, I begin a historic visit to Israel, a very special partner of India's. https://t.co/nLByftnnw6

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2017

I look forward to holding extensive talks with my friend, @IsraeliPM @netanyahu, who shares a commitment for vibrant India-Israel ties.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2017

From boosting economic ties to furthering people-to-people interactions, my Israel visit has a wide range of programmes.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2017

Also Read - 'Natural partnership': PM Narendra Modi, Benjamin Netanyahu hail India-Israel ties in joint op-ed

"My programme during the visit gives me an opportunity to engage with a cross-section of Israeli society. I am particularly looking forward to interacting with the large vibrant Indian diaspora in Israel that represents an enduring link between our two peoples," Modi had further said.

On the economic side, he had said, "I will join with leading Indian and Israeli CEOs and start-ups to discuss our shared priority of expanding business and investment collaboration on the ground."

"I look forward to holding extensive talks with my friend, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who shares a commitment for vibrant India-Israel ties," PM Modi had tweeted.

PM Modi had also said that he will have 'in-depth talks' with Netanyahu "on the full spectrum of our partnership and strengthening it in diverse fields for mutual benefit. We will also have the chance to discuss major common challenges like terrorism."

On ties with Israel, PM Modi had said in a statement yesterday - "I begin a historic visit to Israel, a very special partner of India's. As the first Indian prime minister to do so, I am greatly looking forward to this unprecedented visit that will bring our two countries and people closer."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Israel on Tuesday.

Intense week for bilateral & multilateral diplomacy. PM @narendramodi departs for Tel Aviv, the first leg of his tour pic.twitter.com/3ePikhvu8K

— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 4, 2017

He is the first Indian PM to visit the Jewish nation. This year, India and Israel are marking 25 years of their diplomatic relations.