Jerusalem, February 26 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight on Thursday after meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and discussing various aspects of the bilateral relationship. He also thanked Herzog for supporting the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" (A Tree for Mother) initiative.
Modi and Herzog planted a tree in the Presidential Gardens as part of the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" initiative. Modi also extended an invitation to President Herzog to visit India in the near future.
"I completely agree with you, President Herzog. It was a pleasure to meet you and discuss the diverse aspects of the India-Israel friendship. There is immense potential in future areas such as technology, innovation, Start-ups, and more. I thank you for supporting the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative," Modi posted on X.
Modi also described his talks with Herzog as "fruitful and extensive."
Prime Minister Modi's statement on X was in response to a video posted by President Herzog on X, where he mentioned that the people of Israel and India are "stronger together."
In the video, Modi said, "Am Yisrael Chai," which means "The People of Israel Live." Herzog also said, "Jai Hind."
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to further enhance cooperation in education, start-ups, innovation, technology, and connectivity.
"Strong ties of warmth and goodwill! Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog today. Modi thanked President Herzog for his steadfast support in strengthening the special India-Israel partnership. Both leaders explored avenues to further enhance cooperation in education, start-ups, innovation, technology, and connectivity," Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated on X.
"PM Narendra Modi planted a tree in the Presidential Gardens as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative. Modi also extended an invitation to President Herzog to visit India in the near future," he added.
Prior to meeting with the Israeli President, Modi visited the Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem on Thursday, laying a wreath at the memorial in memory of the Holocaust victims.
Modi was accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan as he visited the Holocaust Memorial and Museum, which commemorates and documents the Holocaust.
The visit included a tour of the Book of Names – a monumental installation containing the names of 4.8 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust – and a memorial ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance. Modi also signed the Yad Vashem guest book.
Modi is currently on a two-day state visit to Israel. He was accorded a grand welcome by Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, in Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Later, he addressed a Special Plenary of the Knesset in Jerusalem – the first such address by an Indian Prime Minister at the Israeli parliament.