Written by : SMTV24x7





Israel, July 04: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was received at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport by his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in a welcome at par with that given to US Presidents, here on Tuesday.



The two leaders shook hands and hugged.



This is the first-ever visit to Israel by an Indian Prime Minister.



Earlier, Mr. Netanyahu has announced that he will "accompany the Indian Prime Minister at many events during his visit as befits the leader of the largest democracy in the world".



"My friend, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcome to Israel," Netanyahu wrote on his Facebook account.







The national anthem of both the countries was played by the military band and the two leaders stood side by side. All senior Israeli ministers were at the airport.



"Friends, India is a very old civilization but a young nation. 800 million people in India are below 35 years of age. They propel my vision to transform India, its economy and its interface with the world. India counts Israel as an important partner," says Modi.



"It is my honor to be the first ever prime minister to undertake this groundbreaking visit to Israel. I want to thank my friend Benjamin Netanyahu. My visit celebrates the centuries-old link between our countries," says Modi.



