Home Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to meet Israel's PM, President and Defence Minister

India's security ties with Israel, including cooperation in counter terrorism, are expected to receive a major fillip during Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Jerusalem - the first by an Indian home minister to the Jewish nation since 2000.

Singh was scheduled to arrive in Israel on Wednesday morning but had to reschedule his plans after his flight from Monaco was cancelled due to inclement weather. The minister was in Monaco to attend Interpol’s General Assembly.

Despite the unexpected change in plans, the Israeli government has gone out of the way to accommodate the change of plans and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office was quick to reschedule his meeting with the premier on Thursday.

“India is a very important ally for us and we view the home minister’s visit as very significant. We are looking forward to fruitful discussions that will strengthen cooperation between the two countries,” a senior Israel government source said.

Singh is also scheduled to meet Israel President Reuven Rivlin and Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon in a rare gesture reserved for leaders from the most friendly or strategic countries.