New Delhi,05.07.17-The two leaders, held wide ranging talks and announced that their cooperation would not be confined to bilateral matters but would be extended to areas impacting on global peace and security, including increasing their cooperation in Africa. The two leaders at the 13 minute joint press conference, expressing their warmth and regard for each other and their commitment to stronger ties.

Not just India and Israel, but the whole world is watching the chemistry and consequent outcome of this historic meeting. On the second day of his three day Israel visit, PM Modi met his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, first for restricted one on one talks, and then delegation level talks in Tel Aviv. Both leaders discussed issues of bilateral and global significance.

The two leaders made a joint press statement after the talks. PM Modi said both countries share the same democratic values and have a like-minded approach to economic development. He hoped that cooperation between the two countries would play an important role in global peace and stability. Both leaders had a frank and open discussion on the menace of terrorism and resolved to fight it together.

Following the talks, seven important agreements were signed between the two countries. Important among them is the establishment of a 40 million US Dollars fund for industrial research, development and innovation. Two agreements were signed to increase cooperation on water conservation and state water utility reform in India.

The two countries have agreed on a three-year work programme in agriculture from 2018 to 2020. Apart from MOUs in Space cooperation for small satellites, there was also a MoU on collaboration in Atomic Clocks. Once again referring to PM Modi as 'My Friend' Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called it a historic day for both countries, and said the two countries are making history together. PM Modi thanked the Israeli Prime Minister for hosting this historic trip and playing a key role in the strong ties between the two countries. He invited him to come to India, and the Israeli Prime Minister accepted the invitation without hesitation.

In a touching gesture, PM Modi also met Moshe Holtzberg, the Israeli child who survived the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks as a two-year-old. He also meet Sandra Samuels, the Indian nanny who had saved Baby Moshe during the attack. Moshe was orphaned when his parents Rivka and Gavriel Holtzberg, serving as emissaries of Chabad in Mumbai, were killed along with six others by LeT terrorists at the Nariman House, also popularly known as Chabad House during the 26/11 attacks. His nanny Sandra was awarded honourary citizenship by the Government of Israel so she could live in the country and care for Moshe, who is now 10-years-old. Moshe now lives with his maternal grandparents — Shimon and Yehudit Rosenberg.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi called on Israeli President Rueven Rivlin. Rivlin welcomed PM Modi by breaking protocol, and recalled his memorable visit to India in April. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties. PM Modi gave a new meaning to the term eye for eye... (I for I).

Defense and strategic ties have been the cornerstone of the relationship, which has now spread to new areas like water management and agriculture. The foundation for cooperation in the field of agriculture had been laid when PM Modi led a delegation to Israel as Chief Minister of Gujarat. The Gujarat Govt. and Israel have several agreements in the field of agriculture. The warmth and enthusiasm with which PM Modi has been received in Israel over the last two days sends a clear signal that the relationship between India and Israel will reach new heights in days to come.