People of India deeply value the friendship with Israel, says Modi

While recalling his meeting with Israeli PM Naftali Bennett, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the people of India deeply value the friendship with Israel. The two prime ministers had met on the sidelines of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. Modi, accompanied by Foreign Minister S Jishankar, met with Bennett in a cordial, brief meeting.

"Indeed! We shall continue working together for stronger bilateral ties and for a better planet. The people of India deeply value the friendship with Israel," Modi tweeted on Tuesday. He also shared a small video showing the two PMs exchanging pleasantries.

"it was truly great to finally meet you, @NarendraModi," Bennett tweeted.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had extended an invitation to Bennett on behalf of Modi to India during his visit to Israel last month. As per media reports, Bennett is likely to visit India next year.

The strategic partnership between India and Israel began in July 2017 during Modi's visit to Israel. Since then, the relationship has been focused on expanding knowledge-based partnership, which includes collaboration in innovation and research, including boosting the "Make in India" initiative.

Prime Minister Modi also met Suriname President and "friend" Chan Santokhi on the sidelines of the climate summit. "Delighted to get the opportunity to meet my friend, President Chan Santokhi of Suriname, a nation with which India has deep-rooted cultural linkages," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.