Welcome to Israel, my friend Modi: Netanyahu recieves Modi at Ben Gurion airport

As Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu hugged at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport today, the moment saw history in the making as it was the first time an Indian Prime Minister had set foot on Israel.

"My friend Modi, welcome to Israel," Netanyahu said in his address at a ceremony at the aiport marked by an unprecedented bonhomie between the two leaders. "Aapka swagat hai mere dost," the Israeli leader said in Hindi.

In a special gesture, Netanyahu along with his entire Cabinet, received Modi at Ben Gurion Airport, a gesture reserved so far only for US Presidents and the Pope.

"We love India, admire your culture, history, democracy and commitment to progress," Netanyahu went on. "I am confident of the real mathematics of life, of success of our partnership for many reasons; talent of our people."

"I once heard you say sky is the limit in relations with Israel. But let me say that even the sky is not the limit in cooperation between India and Israel," the Israeli Prime Minister said, calling Modi a "great world leader".

"We can do even better together.



Welcome to Israel, my friend PM Modi," he said as he closed his short statement.

'GROUNDBREAKING VISIT'

In his short speech, Modi said it is his "singular honour" to be the first ever Prime Minister of India to undertake this "groundbreaking visit" to Israel.

"It is my singular honour to be the first ever PM of India to undertake this groundbreaking visit to Israel," he said.

"I am keen to interact with Indian diaspora in Israel, including large number of Jews of Indian origin," Modi said.

"The Prime Minister has landed in Israel," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted. After Modi's arrival, the national anthems of India and Israel were played.

In Israel, Modi will also meet President Ruven Rivlin apart from paying his respects to courageous Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the liberation of Haifa in 1918.

The visit coincides with India and Israel marking 25 years of their diplomatic relations.

Modi will be in Israel till July 6 before travelling to Hamburg, Germany, to attend the G-20 summit.