- Title: India's Modi says Israel is a true friend.
- Date: 5th July 2017
- Summary: JERUSALEM (JULY 5, 2017) (REUTERS) ISRAELI AND INDIAN FLAGS NEAR RED CARPET AT ENTRANCE TO ISRAELI PRESIDENT'S RESIDENCE ISRAELI PRESIDENT REUVEN RIVLIN AND INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI SHAKING HANDS OFFICIALS (SOUNDBITE) (Indian) INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI SAYING: "Excellency, in your introductory words you said all those which I used in the world trade and commerce, that is 'G to G' (Government to Government), 'B to G' (Business to Government) etc. But in the real world, I mean in what we see in reality today, there is 'I for I' and 'I with I' and when I say 'I for I' I don't mean the popular saying ('Eye for Eye'), but what I mean is 'India with Israel', 'India for Israel'. And when we say this, we also feel that 'Israel' - the full abbreviation would be 'Israel is a Real Friend' and I have really felt this feeling of kinship, I feel absolutely at home here, the warmth that has been emanated by everyone that I have met here, and Excellency you yourself, you broke protocol - you stepped out, you came onto the road to receive me and this is a mark or respect for the entire Indian nation comprising 1.25 billion people. Excellency, you have expressed your love and your sentiments for our country, for that I'd especially like to thank you and express my gratitude." (SOUNDBITE) (English) ISRAELI PRESIDENT REUVEN RIVLIN SAYING: "I must say with all the respect that I have and the pleasure that I have, that you are one of the greatest leaders of the democracies in the world in this time. And we appreciate very much your visit to Israel. We have a lot in common, we are doing a lot in common. We understood very well your thoughts about the need to have partner who will 'Make in India'." MORE OF MEETING
- Embargoed: 19th July 2017 10:33
- Keywords: India Israel Prime Minister Modi President Rivlin
- Location: JERUSALEM
- City: JERUSALEM
- Country: Israel
- Topics: Diplomacy/Foreign Policy,Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA0016OFX6X3
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:===EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: TRANSCRIPTION BASED ON SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION===
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Israel is a "real friend" of India during a meeting in Jerusalem on Wednesday (July 5) with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.
The meeting was a part of Modi's three day visit to Israel in a public embrace of a country that he has long admired for its military and technical expertise but which his predecessors kept at arm's length.
India has traditionally trodden a careful diplomatic line in the region, analysts say, wary of upsetting Arab states and Iran - upon whom it relies for its vast imports of oil - and its large Muslim minority. It has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, even as it quietly pursued ties with Israel.
But now Modi is lifting the curtain on a thriving military relationship. He will hold three days of talks with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, to advance sales and production of missiles, drones and radar systems under his signature "Make in India" drive, officials in Delhi and Tel Aviv said. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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