Benjamin Netanyahu will be formally welcomed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the presidential palace, on Monday followed by a visit to Rajghat

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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu will arrive in New Delhi on Sunday on a six-day visit, reported PTI.

However, Israeli Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon, at a media briefing, set at rest all speculation over this saying, "I think the relationship is much stronger than one vote in the UN here and there."

The visit comes less than a month after New Delhi voted in the UN General Assembly against US President Donald Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

This is the first prime ministerial visit from Israel to India since the visit of then Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Joint Secretary (West Asia-North Africa division) in the ministry B Bala Bhaskar said the Palestinian issue is likely to figure in the talks between the two prime ministers besides other key issues of mutual importance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Netanyahu will hold talks on Monday covering entire expanse of the ties and explore new areas of cooperation to further deepen the "very very special relationship", the external affairs ministry said.

He will leave for Ahmedabad on the morning of 17 January. In Ahmedabad, he will visit Sabarmati Ashram. Modi and he will also visit the Center of Excellence in Vadrad and inaugurate a Center of Excellence for date palms in Bhuj via video conference.

On 15 January, Netanyahu will meet with the Indo-Israeli CEO forum in New Delhi and address a separate business event. He will deliver a speech at the Raisina Dialogue on 16 January.

"We are strengthening ties between Israel and this important global power. This serves our security, economic, trade and tourism interests, as well as many other areas. This is a great blessing for the State of Israel," he said.

"This evening I am leaving on an historic visit to India. I will meet with the Prime Minister, my friend Narendra Modi, with the Indian President and with many other leaders. We will sign very many agreements," Netanyahu said in statement.

"Indian Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi is a close friend of Israel and of mine and I appreciate the fact that he will accompany me on extensive parts of my visit," Netanyahu said just before leaving for New Delhi.

Sareshwala added, “The difference between Congress’ and Modi’s style of dealing with Israel is that the Congress would meet Netanyahu behind closed doors, while Modi does it publically."

Speaking to CNN-News18, BJP leader and Modi confidant Zafar Sareshwala said, “We don’t want symbolism. In the past, I have congratulated the PM for not wearing a skullcap and for not holding Iftar parties. The same symbolism has to be done away with in diplomacy as well,” he said.

Netanyahu's visit to India is only the second one by an Israeli prime minister and comes after a gap of 15 years. Former prime minister Ariel Sharon visited India in 2003.

The visit marks 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and takes place about six months after Modi's trip to Israel, the first by an Indian prime minister to the Jewish state.

​Technion-Israel Institute of Technology would also be signing an agreement with the ministry of science and technology, sources here said.

Israel's Saare Tzedek hospital would be signing an agreement with the ministry of health and family welfare. Informed sources here said that this relates to sharing of knowledge in the field of homoeopathy and Ayurveda that have been gaining popularity in Israel over the last few years.

Several MoUs, including in the field of oil and gas, renewable energy, amended protocol for airports, cyber security, and co-production of films and documentaries, will be signed between the two sides.

The Ambassador described innovation as a "cross-cutting issue" and said this would be reflected in the discussions between Modi and Netanyahu.

"Innovation that would, you know, touch any of the areas in which we cooperate. Innovation could be in the field of defence, innovation could be in the field of agriculture, innovation could be in the field of IT, of R&D," he said.

According to Daniel Carmon, though cooperation in agriculture and water were the highlights of Modi's visit to Israel in July last year, this time innovation will top the agenda.

Agriculture and water resources will also be the focus of visit

The Ambassador described innovation as a "cross-cutting issue" and said this would be reflected in the discussions between Modi and Netanyahu.

"Innovation that would, you know, touch any of the areas in which we cooperate. Innovation could be in the field of defence, innovation could be in the field of agriculture, innovation could be in the field of IT, of R&D," he said.

According to Daniel Carmon, though cooperation in agriculture and water were the highlights of Modi's visit to Israel in July last year, this time innovation will top the agenda.

Agriculture and water resources will also be the focus of visit

The Ambassador described innovation as a "cross-cutting issue" and said this would be reflected in the discussions between Modi and Netanyahu.

"Innovation that would, you know, touch any of the areas in which we cooperate. Innovation could be in the field of defence, innovation could be in the field of agriculture, innovation could be in the field of IT, of R&D," he said.

According to Daniel Carmon, though cooperation in agriculture and water were the highlights of Modi's visit to Israel in July last year, this time innovation will top the agenda.

Agriculture and water resources will also be the focus of visit

The Ambassador described innovation as a "cross-cutting issue" and said this would be reflected in the discussions between Modi and Netanyahu.

"Innovation that would, you know, touch any of the areas in which we cooperate. Innovation could be in the field of defence, innovation could be in the field of agriculture, innovation could be in the field of IT, of R&D," he said.

According to Daniel Carmon, though cooperation in agriculture and water were the highlights of Modi's visit to Israel in July last year, this time innovation will top the agenda.

Agriculture and water resources will also be the focus of visit

These centres cover areas like vegetables, citrus fruits, dates, mangoes, flowers, beekeeping, he said, adding that "we are now starting work on a dairy farm in Haryana".

Carmon said that by the end of this month, there will be 22 centres of excellence set up with Israeli aid up and running across India.

Netanyahu is also scheduled to visit a Centre of Excellence in Agriculture at Vadrad, Gujarat, that has been set up with Israeli assistance.

Teen Murti Road will be named after Israeli city of Haifa. After renaming, the road will be called Teen Murti Haifa Chowk. Haifa was the site of a major war during World War 1.

Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is going to meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the Taj Diplomatic End shortly, reports India Today.

The three bronze statues at Teen Murti represent the Hyderabad, Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers who were part of the 15 Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade. The brigade carried out the victorious assault on the fortified city of Haifa on 23 September, 1918, during World War I.

Forty-four Indian soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice during the liberation of the city in World War I. Till date, the 61 Cavalry celebrates September 23 as its Raising Day or "Haifa Day."

There are various accounts of this battle — all narrate the valour with which the lancers undertook the assault on the garrisoned city protected by a joint force of Ottomans, Germany and Austria-Hungary. The liberation of Haifa cleared a supply route for the Allies to the city through the sea.

Netanyahu will also be accompanied by Moshe Holtzberg, whose parents, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, were killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Moshe, who was only two years old then, will visit Chabad House, where his parents were killed.

Apart from the summit-level meeting, the second India-Israel CEOs forum will be held as also a series of other meetings between both sides in New Delhi and Mumbai during the course of the visit. Netanyahu will be accompanied by a delegation of 130 Israeli business leaders.

Here is what Modi wrote in the visitor's book at Teen Murti chowk

“It is the 100th anniversary of the end of World War-1. Many golden pages of the sacrifices of Indian braves are written in the history of both World War. One of these pages was written 100 years ago, in the sacrifice of Indian soldiers at Haifa. The sacrifice commemorated at Teen Murti observes its centenary. Naming spot as Teen Murti – Haifa Chowk, marks this historic occasion. In presence of the Prime Minister of Israel, we pay homage to the brave soldiers. Salute to the great Indian traditions of selfless sacrifice and penance.”

The three bronze statues at Teen Murti represent the Hyderabad, Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers who were part of the 15 Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade.

The two leaders also laid a wreath and signed the visitor's book at the memorial.

Narendra Modi and his Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday attended a ceremony at the Teen Murti Memorial in New Delhi to mark the renaming of Teen Murti Chowk as Teen Murti Haifa Chowk.

In an interview with India Today , Netanyahu said, "I don't do Yoga but I wake up in the morning and when I look to the east, the first democracy I see is India and when Mr. Modi wakes up in the morning and does his Yoga and looks left, the first democracy he sees is Israel. This is a grand partnership."

Benjamin Netanyahu: "I wake up in the morning and when I look to the east, the first democracy I see is India."

Narendra Modi receives Benjamin Netanyahu at the Rashtrapati Bhawan before the ceremonial welcome

Dr Harsh Vardhan, Hardeep Singh Puri, the three heads of the armed forces were among the dignitaries introduced to Benjamin Netanyahu.

'Visit to India deeply moving for me and my wife': Benjamin Netanyahu at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Speaking to reporters at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "It began with Prime Minister Modi's historic visit to Israel that created tremendous enthusiasm. It continues with my visit here which I must say is deeply moving for me,my wife and people of Israel. It heralds a flourishing partnership to bring prosperity, peace and progress for our people," according to ANI .

The Israeli prime minister pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi along with his wife Sara. He laid a wreath at the memorial.

According to an editorial in Jerusalem Post , India change in its behaviour towards Israel is due to Jerusalem's standing in the West Asia. As per the article, Indian leaders were previosuly wary of publicly supporting Israel out of fear of hurting Muslim sentiments in India. It also says that this changed when the Palestinian ambassador recently hugged LeT chief and 2008 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan. "New Delhi has also realized that its efforts for decades to curry favor with Arab states by taking anti-Israel positions in UN votes have not paid off. [...] There was nothing new about this behavior on the part of the Palestinians and Arabs. Despite India’s willingness to support Arab-backed votes in the UN on a variety of issues, Arab and Muslim states are reluctant to reciprocate," the editorial read.

Reasons for India's change in attitude towards Israel: From Israeli media's point of view

In a note in the visitor's book at Raj Ghat, Netanyahu wrote: "Such grandeur and simplicity in honor of modern India's founding fathers, one of the world's greatest spiritual leaders." He signed it off as: "In deepest friendship and respect".

The two leaders will have a one-to-one meeting for a little over hald an hour. They are expected to deliver the joint press address at around 1.30 pm.

Memorandums of Understanding(s) related to terror, oil, cybersecurity, agriculture etc. will be signed on Monday between India and Israel.

Referring to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's comments on Sunday that India-Israel relations were a "match made in heaven", Israeli publication Haaretz wrote in a piece saying that for the arms trade, and public relations, it is a match made in heaven. "But as Modi won't betray the Palestinians or renounce the Iranians, it resembles more an open marriage," the opinion piece read.

As Benjamin Netanyahu held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, thousands of people marched in Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir to protest Israeli prime minister's visit to India. According to Greater Kashmir , the protest was organised by Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT). The protesters raised slogans against Modi and expressed their support for the Palestinians. Speaking to protesters at Laal Chowk Kargil, Chairman Guardian Council IKMT Kargil said the land of Mahatama Gandhi can't tolerate “war-criminal like Netanyahu”.

"People all over India rejoicing the harvest festivals. PM Netanyahu's visit is a good start to the new year. I was overwhelmed by the warmth of the Israeli people laid by my friend, Bibi. I promised our people to uphold a strategic partnerships. Our friendship has linked both countries for centuries."

"Our discussions were wide ranging and intensive, marked by a desire to do more. I have a reputation of getting impatient with getting results. If I may let out an open secret, so are you... We want to strengthen agriculture, science and technology. We exchanged views on centres of excellence. In defence, I have invited Israeli companies to make more weapons in India vis-a-vis our liberalised FDI rates. We are also committed to flow of people and ideas between our geographies. Working with Israel to bring people closer on both sides."

'Proud to have you (Netanyahu) in my home state, Gujarat day after,' says Narendra Modi

"Thank you for your exceptional friendship and hospitality. I was deeply moved today at the ceremonial reception. You are revolutionary leader of India, revolutionising the India-Israel relationships. Until you visited Israel, none before you had visited our sovereign state."

"Israel is a global force of technology. India abounds with creativity, scientific technology. We can achieve this together. We achieve more with less, more crops with less water, more revenue with less expenditure."

"We are proud of our present, resilient democracy. The diversity is source of our strength. A fine example is India with its dozens of languages. The Jews of India have never experienced anti-Semitism in India. This is a tribute to India's tolerate nature. India is a living proof that democracy works. It is the free citizens who thrive because they are free. Our commitment to do so is reflected in the agreements we signed.

"My friend Narendra, any time you want to do a yoga class, I'll be there," Netanyahu concluded the press statement on that note.

"India and Israel know the pain of terrorist attacks. We never give in. When you (Modi) hosted us yesterday, you lit up the house with colours of India and Israel."

That India is among the world's largest importers of military inventory and that Israel is a major arms exporter also provides a natural complementarity to the bilateral relationship.

With a population below nine million and a GDP of $350 billion, Israel is relatively small compared to the Indian behemoth with a population of 1.25 billion and a GDP of $2.5 trillion. Yet Israel occupies a very special niche in India's security framework and has been a supplier of critical military technology. This was illustrated during the 1999 Kargil War, when precision-guided ordnance was obtained from Tel Aviv.

It has had a chequered past since the post-World War II birth of both countries but is poised for a pragmatic future trajectory based on shared interests.

The visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to India (January 14-19) commemorates the 25th anniversary of the opening of an Indian embassy in Tel Aviv in 1992.

India-Israel committed to take their friendship to new heights

In his media address, Benjamin Netanyahu said: My wife and I are very happy that we are going to Bollywood. We had seen and heard so much, we wanted to see for ourselves”

In defence, Modi said he has invited Israeli companies to take advantage of the liberalised FDI regime to make more in India with domestic companies.

"The results are already visible on the ground. Our discussions today were marked by convergence to accelerate our engagement and to scale up our partnership."

The Indian Prime Minister said both he and Netanyahu "have imparted our shared impatience to the implementation of our earlier decisions".

"These are agriculture, science and technology and security.," he stated. "We exchanged views on scaling up the Centers of Excellence that have been a mainstay of agricultural cooperation."

"We will strengthen the existing pillars of cooperation in areas that touch the lives of our peoples," Modi said in a joint address to the media with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following delegation level talks here.

India and Israel have agreed to enhance cooperation in the areas of agriculture, science and technology and security, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said that discussions were held on improving agriculture in India, using technological breakthroughs achieved by Israel.

They will first be taken to the Oberoi Amarvilas and then the Taj Mahal through the eastern gates in golf carts. After touring the Taj for a couple of hours they will return to the hotel, where Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will host them for lunch at the hotel.

Netanyahu wil tour the Taj for a few hours before being hosted by Adityanath for lunch

The Taj complex has been shut for all other visitors since 11am. Benjamin Netanyahu and wife Sara are being accompanied by the Israeli delegation and security personnel. They are expected to tour the monument for a couple of hours as the couple has the entire monument to themselves, News18 reported.

Benjamin Netanyahu and Sara Netanyahu are scheduled to have lunch with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath after touring the Taj Mahal for a couple of hours.

Timeline of how the diplomatic relations between India and Israel have progressed over the years

RECAP: I arrived in India with the biggest delegation of business leaders that has ever joined an Israeli PM on an official visit

Timeline of how the diplomatic relations between India and Israel have progressed over the years

Heavy security arrangements have been put in place with over 1,500 security personnel guarding the 5 kilometre stretch that Israeli Netanyahu will be travelling on, during his visit to the Taj Mahal. CRPF personnel, Rapid Action Force and police teams have been deployed to take care of the security arrangements for the high-profile delegation of 130 members.

Agra turned into a fortress in view of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the city.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu will attend the Raisina Dialogue scheduled to start at 6.30 pm today. The agenda of the conference will be "Managing Disruptive Transitions Ideas, Institutions, and Idioms.

Nearly all the dignitaries are now seated in the main hall, and the conference will begin shortly. Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place as VVIP figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will attend the event.

The conference has started and the guests were informed about the plan for the evening. Meanwhile, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and his Israei counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu are running slightly behind the schedule. The two prime ministers are expected to arrive shortly.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with his wife Sara Netanyahu reached at Taj Palace, where the conference co-hosted by the Ministry of External affairs is being held. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj are also present.

While acknowledging the long-standing friendship between India and Israel, Netanyahu in his inaugural address, says that defence power is very important to reinstate one's existence. "The weak don't survive, the strong survive, you make alliances with the strong, you are able to maintain peace by being strong. So, therefore the first requirement from our the time of our first PM was to achieve minimal strength required to assure existence," Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu doesn't mince words, getting straight to his very realist view of the world: "Strength. Power"

"If you want to be an economic power, you must reduce and simplify taxes and must cut bureaucracy. The main job of both India and Israel is to cut this bureaucracy so the firms can go on with their business of doing business," Netanyahu said.

"I was astounded to know that PM Modi has moved India in the scale of ease of doing business 42 places in three years. If you want to be an economic power, you must reduce and simplify taxes," he said.

The Israeli prime minister apparently praised the tax reforms introduced by the Narendra Modi government, without really mentioning the Goods and Services Tax.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Natanyahu's visit to India underlines the celebration of 25 years of diplomatic relations between India and Israel. His brief yet, truly inspiring inaugural address makes for a rare opportunity: with Prime Minister Netanyahu addressing from the podium and Prime Minister sitting in the audience.

She also commented on the fact that it was a rare occasion that the Israeli PM was addressing from the podium while Modi was sitting in the audience.

Starting the vote of thanks on a lighter note, Swaraj said that the organisers have had problems in the past in adjusting the microphone's height whenever she take over from another speaker. "But this year the organisers seems to have been prepared," she said.

Sushma Swaraj starts off vote of thanks like a roast of sorts: One pot shot at herself (height) and one at Modi (sitting in the audience)

We believe in India as you believe in Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu to PM Modi

Gujarat is set to roll out the red carpet for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he arrives in Ahmedabad on Wednesday along with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. The two leaders will hold a roadshow, which will begin from the city airport and end at the Sabarmati Ashram, a journey of eight kilometres.

According to reports, security along the 14-km stretch where the two prime ministers will hold their roadshow is quite heavy. 12 teams of Chetak commandoes, Israeli snipers, Quick Response Teams, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad and the Gujarat Police.

Modi, Netanyahu expected to arrive at Ahmedabad airport around 10:30 am where they will be received by the top ministers of the Vijay Rupani government.

Both the leaders will inaugurate iCreate Center at Deo Dholera Village in Ahmedabad. They'll also dedicate a mobile water desalination van to Suigam Taluka, of Banaskantha district via video link, ANI reports.

Netanyahu and Modi will also visit the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables at Vadrad in Sabarkantha district. They will be briefed on work plan of the Centre. They will inaugurate the Centre of Excellence for Date Palms at Kukama, Kutch District, through a video link. The two PMs will also interact with farmers.

Modi and Netanyahu will inaugurate the iCreate Center at Deo Dholera Village in Ahmedabad. They will visit a Startup Exhibition and interact with innovators and Startup CEOs. The two prime ministers will dedicate a mobile water desalination van to Suigam Taluka, of Banaskantha district, through a video link. Both leaders will also address the gathering.

Benjamin Netanyahu with his wife arrive in Ahmedabad where they were received by Modi.

There are 140 Jews in Gujarat, News18 reports. The community had extended an invite to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit their synagogue but since that could not be factored in, they are at the roadshow to greet him.

At iCreate Center in Ahmedabad, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is right. Technology is central to development, because all of us rise and fall together. Half a year ago, Israel-India developed an innovation bridge to help solve pressing global problems. Over 600 companies applied. Several dozen were chosen. I have a simple message. i want young Indians to know Israel wants to form partnerships with you. We're your partners. I want Israelis to come to India. Bachelors with a backpack but with a laptop. That's why I have come here."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says: "When I went to Israel in 2017, I made up my mind that this foundation should have more strong relations with Israel. Since then, I was waiting for my friend Benjamin Netanyahu to come to India.

"Never stop dreaming and never let the dreams die. It is good for children to have high curiosity quotient. Our youth has energy and enthusiasm, all that they want is a little bit of encouragement, network and institutional support," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, quoting Albert Einstein.

"You have seen in iCreate, the letter 'i' is lower case. There is a reason for that. Creativity is halted when 'i' is big," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Ahmedabad.

"Today, it is necessary to innovate to get rid of the problems faced by our young country. How to improve the quality of life of an ordinary person at minimal expense, innovate for it. Today a huge campaign of Clean India is going on in the country. Can we do new innovations on sanitation? Waste to wealth, there are immense possibilities of innovation in this one topic," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking at iCreate Center in Ahmedabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "Israeli technology and creativity reaches the whole world. The people of Israel have proven to the whole world that the size of the country and the resolve of the countrymen, is what takes a country forward. Innovation plays a major role in bringing Indian and Israeli people closer."

"We're here to make your lives better and I thank you for this warm friendship...We want to help India help itself. Because India has vision. It understand that knowledge is the future. This is the policy of Narendra Modi and this is my policy," Netanyahu said at Vadrad.

Mashav is Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"We are working towards doubling farmer incomes by 2022. For this, optimum utilisation of land resources, ensuring minimum wastage and understanding the needs of the market assume importance," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Centre of Excellence for Vegetables.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu have wrapped up their Gujarat visit. The duo are scheduled to reach Mumbai by Wednesday evening.

Netanyahu landed at the airport in Mumbai on Wednesday night for the Mumbai leg of his six-day India visit, a senior official told PTI.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have a packed schedule during the Mumbai leg of his visit on Thursday, when he will have breakfast with business leaders, pay tributes to Mumbai terror attack victims and attend a 'Shalom Bollywood' event among other engagements.

He will later address the India-Israel Business Summit at the iconic Taj Hotel in South Mumbai. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis will also attend the summit, sources in Mumbai told PTI.

Moshe arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday, returning to the place where he was orphaned nine years ago.

Moshe's father Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and mother Rivka were killed at the Nariman House during the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The Jewish couple ran a cultural and outreach centre for the Chabad-Lubavitch movement at the Nariman House in south Mumbai's Colaba area.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be visiting to the nearby Nariman House, where he will meet 11-year-old Moshe Holtzberg.

Holtzberg and his orphaned grandson 'little' Moshe are on a visit to Mumbai nine years after the deadly attacks by 10 Pakistani terrorists on Chabad House, or Nariman House.

In an exclusive interview to PTI, Holtzberg said: "Pakistan must know best what the people are facing. The sorrows of father, brother, wife and children."

Moshe's grandfather Rabbi Nachman Holtzberg, who lost his son Gavriel in the 26/11 terror attacks, said on Wednesday that Pakistan should rethink on its policy of creating terrorists. He said spreading love and compassion is the "only victory" in the world.

“Following talks I have held with my friend, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government has informed us that it is putting the Spike deal back on track. This is very important and there will be many more deals,” Netanyahu said in a brief video statement during his five-day visit to India.

Earlier in January, Israel’s state-owned defence contractor Rafael said India’s Ministry of Defence had cancelled the deal worth about $500 million to buy Spike anti-tank guided missiles.

There was no immediate comment from Indian authorities.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday during a tour of India he had been informed by the Indian government that it had decided to put a major anti-tank missile deal back on track.

At Thursday's event, the visiting prime minister will take the opportunity to showcase Israel as a shooting hotspot for Bollywood, which is constantly on the prowl globally for exotic foreign locales for what is the world's largest film industry.

An invitation to Bollywood by Israeli Ambassador in India Daniel Carmon says that Israel honours Bollywood's starring role in contemporary Indian culture and offers Bollywood many opportunities with its rich history, culture, diversity and breathtaking landscape.

The much-anticipated event is expected to attract a galaxy of leading actors, directors and producers including Amitabh Bachchan who will interact with the Netanyahu couple and later join a gala dinner in a south Mumbai five-star hotel.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli ambassador to India Daniel Carmon have welcomed the magazine and sent congratulatory messages, he said.

Jhirad, who is also the president and managing trustee of Bene Israel Heritage Museum and Genealogical Centre, said the magazine's editorial advisory board includes MPs Poonam Mahajan and Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

The magazine would be launched at the Magen David Synagogue at Byculla in south Mumbai on Thursday, Ralphy Jhirad, the editorial board member of the magazine, told PTI.

The Jewish community will mark Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Mumbai visit with the launch of Namaste Shalom, a regular monthly magazine on bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was evidently impressed by Harwardhansinh Jhala, who had developed a drone that can detect landmines. In his speech at the iCreate event in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, Netanyahu said, "(Here) 14-year-old has a drone in the sky that can identify landmine. It can solve so much suffering. Just 14-year-old." According to DNA , Jhala was joyous with the reference. "They met us, saw our drone and understood the technology behind it," he told DNA. Jhala was among the 15 start-ups from Gujarat, who met both the prime ministers at the event.

The Israeli prime minister spoke to business leaders Ajay Piramal, Rahul Bajaj, Adi Godrej, Harsh Goenka, Anand Mahindra, Dilip Shanghvi, Ashok Hinduja, Atul Punj and Chanda Kochhar over a 'power breakfast' at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai

On Wednesday, Muslim organisations held protests in the city against the Israeli prime minister's visit, reported The Indian Express . “Several Muslim children have died in Jerusalem. They (Israel) are a threat to Muslims across the world. Our protest is against India forging such ties with Israel,” Mohammed Rizvi, general secretary of the Raza Academy told The Indian Express.

Netanyahu will leave for Israel in the early hours of Friday.

Netanyahu will cap his hectic schedule by attending the 'Shalom Bollywood' event, in which he will invite leading actors, directors, and producers in the Indian cinema industry to come to Israel to shoot movies and collaborate with the Israeli film and television industry.

Netanyahu will then proceed to the nearby Nariman House, where he will meet 11-year-old Moshe Holtzberg. Moshe's father Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and mother Rivka were killed at the Nariman House during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Netanyahu will later meet around 25 to 30 members of the Jewish community at the Taj hotel.

In the first visit by an Israeli Prime Minister to the financial capital of India, Netanyahu will lay a wreath at the memorial for the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks.

"Innovation doesn't happen by itself. Some of it does. But it can be nurtured, it can encouraged. It also can be discouraged. The job of governments like that of Prime Minister Modi and my own government is to facilitate your competitive advantages and ability to innovate," he said

"We in Israel are seizing the future, you in India are seizing the future. Together, you will get there a lot quicker and also get a lot further," he said.

"It is very, very crucial today for you and your Israeli counterparts to meet up, because the future belongs to those who innovate," Netanyahu said at the first of his numerous assignments for the day as he wraps up his four-day India visit.

Stating that the partnership between Israel and India is doing wonders, Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked business leaders to focus on innovation, reported PTI. "The future belongs to those who innovate," Netanyahu said in his opening remarks at a power breakfast with top corporate honchos at the iconic Taj hotel overlooking the Arabia Sea.

Future belongs to those who innovate: Netanyahu to India Inc

Business leaders who were present at the breakfast included Ajay Piramal, Rahul Bajaj, Adi Godrej, Harsh Goenka, Anand Mahindra, Dilip Shanghvi, Ashok Hinduja, Atul Punj and Chanda Kochhar.

"So it is leaders. It is people. But I think the most important thing is to have it among business leaders and technological leaders and entrepreneurs like yourself. This is the cherry on the pie! What a cherry! I thought we will discuss the cherry," Netanyahu said.

"In addition, there is a partnership of genuine sympathy between our people. And that is not obvious. Our two civilisations are very old and we have not met each other in real sense. There is an instant chemical reaction of tremendous solidarity and identification and I see it in my Facebook followers. They haven't changed the algorithm yet and I see it very very strongly. We see it when we walk the streets, the responses that we get here. And Indian citizens, when they come to Israel, they can see it. It is powerful," he said.

"It is on the level first of a deep personal friendship between Prime Minister Modi and myself," he said.

Netanyahu to business leaders: The partnership between Israel and India is doing wonders

'India, Israel are innovation nations, must come together to define future': Netanyahu at business summit

India knows value and glory of competition, says Benjamin Netanyahu at India-Israel Business Summit

“This is the beginning of a wonderful ancient friendship and the possibilities are boundless. We have to bring talents of India and Israel together. Fifteen countries ahead of Israel in the World Bank’s competitive index make me lose sleep. It isn’t Syria, but countries like Singapore, USA and Switzerland which make me lose sleep,” Netanyahu was quoted as saying by The Indian Express .

"India-Israel partnership is reaching unprecedented heights. This is beginning of a wonderful friendship where possibilities are boundless," says Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the India-Israel Business Summit in Mumbai.

"India and Israel are democracies and share the love for freedom. We are a match made in heaven," says Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the business summit in Mumbai.

"The agriculture practices used in Israel are very impressive. We are going to sign an MoU for irrigation with an Israeli firm to help sustain the water-starved regions of Maharashtra," Fadnavis added.

"The way the Jewish community has assimilated with the Indian community here is very good. India and Israel can become the best partners. A new chapter of friendship and relationship started when Modi visited Israel last year," said Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis at the India-Israel Business Summit on Thursday.

"I’m sure in time to come, we will see many Israeli businesses mainly in technology and agriculture flourishing, collaborating and cooperating with Indian businesses," he adds.

"Maharashtra is the right place to forge alliance. I look forward to many more alliances between Maharashtra and Israel," says CM Devendra Fadnavis.

'Want to collaborate more with Israel for farmers' benefit'

Although the early Zionists, such as David Ben-Gurion, were keen to woo Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru – whom they perceived to be the architects of modern India, whose support would, in turn, legitimise Israel as a political idea – the two were not convinced, inspired ideologically by the Palestinian cause and politically by the need to weld the Muslim minority into the national struggle and the postcolonial nation.

If internationalism is shared history, India and Israel were destined for amity. Both nations, however different in their geographical constituency, were carved with an intense political struggle against their hostile neighbourhood, each with a keen sense of civilizational significance in its emergence.

"The future belongs to those who innovate and it is our job to encourage you to innovate. It is very crucial for you and your Israeli counterparts to meet," Netanyahu said.

His remarks came at a power-breakfast where he held discussions with top Indian CEOs, industrialists and bankers at the iconic Hotel Taj Mahal Palace. Among the CEOs present were Ashok Hinduja, Anand Mahindra, Adi Godrej, Ajay Piramal, Harsh Goenka and Chanda Kochhar, with whom Netanyahu cheerfully interacted before getting down to breakfast-cum-business.

Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said "the business partnership between India and Israel is doing wonders" and that he has developed "a strong personal friendship" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On the last leg of his four-day India visit, which he described as extraordinary, Netanyahu said there is a deep and abiding respect for India, it's people and culture."We are the two oldest cultures on earth. We are democracies, we share our love for freedom, and we share our love for humanity. We are truly your partners. This is a partnership made in heaven," Netanyahu said, while appealing to Indian businesses to invest in Israel.

Addressing the India-Israel Business Summit, Netanyahu mentioned the "deep personal friendship" he shares with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, adding that the warmth goes deeper, right up to the common man.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday termed his country's partnership with India as one "made in heaven", which rests on shared values of love for humanity, democracy and freedom.

Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at Chabad House, lays wreath at the memorial to 26/11 terror attack victims at Taj Hotel in Mumbai, reports Hindustan Times.

Netanyahu will later visit the nearby Nariman House, where he will meet 11-year-old Israeli boy Moshe Holtzberg. Moshe's father Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and mother Rivka were killed at the Nariman House during the 2008 attacks.

The Israeli prime minister also wrote a message in the visitor's book at the place.

Netanyahu, along with Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, laid wreath at the memorial of the terror attack victims, that claimed 166 lives, at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in south Mumbai under a heavy security blanket.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday paid tributes to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

The Nariman House, renamed as Chabad House, was under siege during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

According to Chabad.org , 26/11 survivor Moshe Holtzbeg and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled the plans for the living memorial on Thursday. Netanyahu also unveiled a plaque in the memory of Moshe’s parents, Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg. This was followed by Moshe's two grandmothers lighting an “eternal flame” in remembrance of the victims.

Speaking to CNN-News18, a Jewish resident in Mumbai said, "This (Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 26/11 survivor Moshe Holtzberg) visit to Mumbai is of immense emotional importance to the entire world. This visit shows the courage which Israel stands for."

The bespectacled Moshe, now 11, also sporting the 'Kippah' and a dark suit, had an emotional 'reunion' meeting with the Israel prime minister, as his Indian saviour nanny Sandra Samuel and grandparents flanked them in a small room in the Chabad House, in Nariman House, Colaba.

Sporting the trademark Jewish small brimless cloth cap, 'Kippah,' Netanyahu was warmly welcomed by the present Rabbi Israel Kozlovsky and other officials of Chabad House in the afternoon.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday visited the Chabad House here along with Moshe Holtzberg, who as a two-year-old was orphaned in the carnage there during the 2008 terror attack.

The Israeli prime minister thanked Moshe for hosting him and showing him his room in the Chabad House. "Your parents showed love to the people and welcomed all to this house. They provided for every Jew a home. This is loving Israel but terrorists showed hatred towards Israel," he said.

"This place is a unique merge between love for Israeli people and the hatred towards the people of Israel. The nation of Israel is known for salvation," Netanyahu told the gathering in Hebrew.

He was addressing people at the Chabad House, or the Nariman House, after meeting 11-year-old Moshe Holtzberg whose father Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and mother Rivka were killed along with six others there during the 26/11 terror attacks. Moshe, then a toddler of two years, was miraculously saved by his Indian nanny Sandra Samuel, who now lives in Israel.

The Chabad House is a unique blend of love and hatred towards the people of Israel, the country's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said on Thursday.

"In the past, the Jewish people have witnessed a lot of challenges but with the help of God they overcame everything. The people of Israel are living and will live forever," he said at the Chabad House, or the Nariman House in Mumbai.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin said that the terrorists could not harm Moshe because of the love shown by his nanny.

Netanyahu says Moshe Holtzberg was unharmed during 26/11 because of his nanny's love

According to Hindustan Times, the proposed memorial would include a small terrace garden and rooms on the fifth floor of the building where Moshe and his parents — Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg — stayed before the attack. The fourth floor is likely to be converted into a museum.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahi made a formal announcement on Thursday on the setting up of a living memorial at Nariman House, that was under siege during the 26/11 terror attacks.

After Benjamin Netanyahu and Moshe Holtzberg visited Nariman House on Thursday, the Israeli prime minister shared an image of the two in one of the rooms formerly occupied by the 26/11 survivor and his parents. "I added today a mark of Moshe's height to the wall where his mother had marked his height," Netanyahu said in the tweet.

Speaking to Times Now on his visit to Center of Excellence for Vegetables in Gujarat, Benjamin Netanyahu said that he interacted with farmers who had had their incomes multiply because of the center. "This is tremendous. If we can have that multiplied through half of India, it means we've raised the living standards for a massive number of Indians. I mean, this partnership is real," he said.

Netanyahu further added that despite their being markets, and other aspects, he saw the partnership differently. "I see it (India-Israel relations) as a partnership of civilisations, a partnership of two democracies," he said,

"This kind of cooperation that we have, with technology on one side and agriculture on the other is so good for every aspect of life. for water, for agricultre, for security. This has statutory benefits," Benjamin Netanyahu told Times Now.

"When he thinks about increasing vegetable production, enhancing indian security against terrorism, catapulting young Indians into future with technological know-how, I think he's thinking about what is good for India. I think he is right," said Netanyahu

Speaking to Times Now, Israeli prime minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "a great patriot of India" and that he does "what is good for India."

Paid humble tributes to 26/11 terrorist attack victims in Mumbai with Hon PM @netanyahu at a memorial in Hotel Taj. 26/11च्या मुंबईतील भीषण दहशतवादी हल्ल्यातील मृतांना आज इस्त्रायलचे पंतप्रधान मा.बेंजामिन नेतन्याहू यांच्यासमवेत हॉटेल ताज येथे भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली अर्पण केली. pic.twitter.com/AeNf8yGkRQ

PM Benjamin Netanyahu interacted with the leaders of Jewish community in India. Praised their contribution in preserving Jewish values & culture and for cementing India-Israel relations. pic.twitter.com/urWfGifKG0

Thank you Honorable #CM for hosting our #PM and for participating in the #BusinessSummit today with your vision on cooperation between #Maharashtra and #Israel @israelinMumbai @ykv_finkelstein @MASHAVisrael @InnovationAut @CMOMaharashtra @poonam_mahajan https://t.co/hE650B7x1V

This is a partnership of civilizations, a partnership of two democracies: B Netanyahu, Israel PM #NetanyahuUpfront pic.twitter.com/iNpmvJH7Ft

Speaking to Times Now on his visit to Center of Excellence for Vegetables in Gujarat, Benjamin Netanyahu said that he interacted with farmers who had had their incomes multiply because of the center. "This is tremendous. If we can have that multiplied through half of India, it means we've raised the living standards for a massive number of Indians. I mean, this partnership is real," he said.

Netanyahu further added that despite their being markets, and other aspects, he saw the partnership differently. "I see it (India-Israel relations) as a partnership of civilisations, a partnership of two democracies," he said,

"This kind of cooperation that we have, with technology on one side and agriculture on the other is so good for every aspect of life. for water, for agricultre, for security. This has statutory benefits," Benjamin Netanyahu told Times Now.

PM Modi is a great patriot of India, he does what is good for India: B Netanyahu, Israel PM EXCLUSIVELY in conversation with @RShivshankar #NetanyahuUpfront pic.twitter.com/ob5dhB5ZAd

"When he thinks about increasing vegetable production, enhancing indian security against terrorism, catapulting young Indians into future with technological know-how, I think he's thinking about what is good for India. I think he is right," said Netanyahu

Speaking to Times Now, Israeli prime minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "a great patriot of India" and that he does "what is good for India."

Very warm meeting between @IsraeliPM @netanyahu and representatives of the #JewishCommunities of #India .Highlighting the Historic bond between us,the fact that Jews were always welcome in #India &never persecuted,some ideas were offered to strengthen ties,especially with youth pic.twitter.com/Iza0z3H3zt

In order to deal with terrorism, the first requirement is intelligence. We share intelligence with India & many countries & we prevented dozens & dozens of major terror strikes which could have disrupted the whole international system, says Israel PM @netanyahu #NetanyahuUpfront

Latest Updates:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with his wife Sara visited the 17th century Mughal monument Taj Mahal. Netanyahu was received by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the Kheria Airport. He was accorded a traditional welcome by Braj folk artists on his arrival at the airport, the chief minister's office said on Twitter.

The dignitaries spent some time at Hotel Amar Vilas before leaving for the monument in golf carts. In view of the Israeli prime minister's visit, the Taj Mahal remained closed for over two hours for tourists. The route from the Kheria Airport to the Taj Mahal was sealed and extra security arrangements were made.

According to officials, the visiting dignitary will have lunch at Hotel Amar Vilas before leaving for New Delhi. Netanyahu arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on a six-day visit. The Israeli prime minister is scheduled to inaugurate the third edition of the geo-political conference, 'Raisina Dialogue', in Delhi later today.

On Monday, India and Israel signed nine MoUs, including those on film cooperation, cyber cooperation. Benjamin Netanyahu is the first Israeli Prime Minister in 15 years to visit India but he comes at a time when his political standing is at the weakest in his three-decade long career.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu held the joint press statement and exchanged nine MoUs between the two nations.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday received a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and then proceeded to Rajghat in New Delhi, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, to pay tribute to the "great leader". He then proceeded to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House at noon.

Netanyahu's visit to India is only the second by an Israeli prime minister and comes after a gap of 15 years. The visit also marks 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. His visit assumes even more significance as it comes just over six months after the visit of Modi to Israel, which was the first ever Indian prime ministerial visit to the West Asian nation.

It also comes just days after India voted against Israel at the United Nations on the Jerusalem issue. Netanyahu is expected to focus on economic issues and Palestine is not likely to be the central part of discussions with Modi, Israeli daily Jerusalem Post reported.

Netanyahu will formally be welcomed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the presidential palace, on Monday followed by a visit to Rajghat, Mohandas Gandhi's memorial. During his stay, Netanyahu will also visit Gujarat and Mumbai. On Monday, Netanyahu will meet members at the India-Israeli CEO forum in New Delhi and address a separate business event.

In a sign of growing importance to the ties with Israel, the government on Sunday renamed Delhi's Teen Murti Chowk as Teen Murti-Haifa Chowk after the Israeli city.

Modi and Netanyahu laid a wreath at the iconic Teen Murti war memorial where they were received by army chief General Bipin Rawat and foreign secretary S Jaishankar.

The two leaders paid homage to Indian soldiers who fell in the Battle of Haifa during World War I.

Netanyahu's entourage includes the largest-ever delegation of Israeli business people, of some 130. According to Israeli newspaper Haaretz, these businessmen include senior executives of Aeronautics Defense Systems — an Israeli drone maker currently under criminal investigation by the police's international crimes division.

At least nine commercial agreements are expected be signed during the visit. These include memoranda of understanding on gas and oil, renewable energy, aviation, industrial research and development, cybersecurity, reciprocal investments, supplementary medicine, space research and joint movie productions, Haaretz said.

On Tuesday, Netanyahu will fly to Agra to view the iconic Taj Mahal.

Netanyahu and Modi will open the Raisina Dialogue, India's annual geopolitical conference to be attended by people from around the world, including former US nuclear negotiator Wendy Sherman, in Delhi.

The Israeli prime minister will deliver a speech at the Raisina Dialogue on on Tuesday and also call on President Ram Nath Kovind.

He will then leave for Ahmedabad on the morning of 17 January. In Ahmedabad, he will visit the Sabarmati Ashram. Modi and Netanyahu will also visit the Centre of Excellence in Vadrad and inaugurate a Centre of Excellence for date palms in Bhuj via video conferencing.

The Israeli prime minister will have a number of engagements in Mumbai on 18 January. The Israeli embassy had said that Netanyahu will meet with Jewish community leaders and select members of the Indian business community in Mumbai.

The Israeli embassy said he will reach out to Bollywood in an exclusive "Shalom Bollywood" event. In Mumbai, he will also attend a ceremony at the Chabad House, which will be attended by Moshe Holtzberg, the 11-year-old whose parents were killed during the 26/11 terror strike.

Netanyahu will return to Israel on Friday afternoon from Mumbai.

With inputs from agencies