The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on Wednesday addressed the Indian Community in Israel, at a function in Tel Aviv.
He began by noting that this was the first time that an Indian Prime Minister had come to Israel, and it had taken a long period of 70 years after independence.
He thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the warm welcome and respect accorded to him throughout his visit.
He said that though diplomatic relations between the two countries are only 25 years old, yet ties between India and Israel go back several centuries. He said that he has been told that in the 13th century, the Indian Sufi Saint Baba Farid had come to Jerusalem, and meditated in a cave.
The Prime Minister described the relationship between India and Israel as one of traditions, culture, trust and friendship. He noted the similarity in festivals between India and Israel. In this context, he mentioned Holi and Purim; and Diwali and Hanukkah.
The Prime Minister noted the impressive technological progress made by Israel, and its long traditions of bravery and martyrdom. He recalled that Indian soldiers had played a key role in the liberation of Haifa during the first world war. He noted the great contributions of the Indian Jewish community, both in India and Israel.
The Prime Minister praised the spirit of innovation in Israel, and noted that Israel had made great progress in areas such as geo-thermal power, solar panels, agro-biotechnology and security.
The Prime Minister gave an overview of reforms undertaken in India in the recent past. He mentioned the roll-out of GST, auctioning of natural resources, insurance and banking sector reforms, and skill development, among others. He said the Government aims to double income of farmers by 2022. He said the partnership with Israel is key to ushering the second green revolution in India. He said science, innovation and research would be the foundation of ties between India and Israel in the future.
He recalled his meeting with Moshe Holtzberg, survivor of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, earlier in the day.
He assured the Indian community in Israel that OCI cards would be given to them, even if they had done compulsory army service in Israel. He said an Indian Cultural Centre would be set up in Israel. He also said direct air connectivity would soon be established between India and Israel.
For the first time in 70 years an Indian PM has got an opportunity to visit Israel. This is a matter of joy: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
Yes, we are meeting after a very long time. It took many years for this visit to happen: PM @narendramodi https://t.co/JVLG00Bequ
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
Our ties with Israel are about mutual trust and friendship: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
Israel has shown that more than size, it is the spirit that matters: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
Jewish community has enriched India with their contribution in various fields: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
Mayors of various Israeli cities have also joined us today. Their love for India has drawn them here, I thank them: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
भारत से आए ज्यूइश समुदाय ने इजरायल के विकास में अहम भूमिका निभाई है: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
मैं इजरायल के पूर्व राष्ट्रपति और यहां के महान नेता Shimon Peres को भी श्रद्दांजलि देना चाहूंगा। मुझे उनसे मिलने का सौभाग्य मिला था: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
Innovation के प्रति इजरायल की गंभीरता इसी साबित होती है कि अब तक 12 इजरायलियों को अलग-अलग क्षेत्र में नोबल पुरस्कार मिल चुका है: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
The aim of my Government is reform, perform and transform: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
With GST we are aiming towards the economic integration of India: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
We have introduced 100% FDI in key sectors, which will help our economy: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
With the aim of 'housing for all' we have placed emphasis on the construction and the real estate sector: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
एक समय था जब भारत में environmental clearance मिलने में 600 दिन से ज्यादा का समय लग जाता था: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
इसको घटाते-घटाते अब 180 तक पर ले आया गया है। आने वाले दिनों में इसमें और कमी का प्रयास किया जा रहा है: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
देश भर में 600 से ज्यादा कौशल विकास केंद्र खोले जा रहे हैं, Indian Institute of Skills की स्थापना की गई है: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
इजरायल में रह रहे भारतीय समुदाय के लोगों को OCI और PIO कार्ड को लेकर हो रही दिक्कत के बारे में मुझे पता है: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
जो रिश्ते दिल से जुड़े हुए हों, वो किसी कागज या कार्ड के ऊपर निर्भर नहीं होते: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
अगर भारतीय ज्यूइश समुदाय को OCI कार्ड नहीं मिल पाया तो इस OCI कार्ड देने का उद्देश्य ही पूरा नहीं हो पाएगा: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
भारतीय समुदाय के जिन लोगों ने इजरायल में Compulsory Army Service की है, उन्हें भी अब से OCI कार्ड दिया जाएगा: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
Compulsory Army Service से जुड़े कुछ नियमों की वजह से आप अपने PIO कार्ड को OCI कार्ड में नहीं बदल पा रहे थे: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
इन नियमों को भी सरल करने का फैसला लिया गया है: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
जल्द ही भारत सरकार इजरायल में Indian Cultural Centre खोलने जा रही है: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
भारत और इजरायल सिर्फ इतिहास से नहीं बल्कि स्संकृति से भी एक दूसरे से जुड़े हुए हैं। दोनों मानवीय मूल्यों और मानवीय विरासत के साझीदार हैं: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2017
