Narendra modi became the first Prime Minister of India, visited Israel, arriving in tel Aviv on Tuesday in the framework of a 3-day visit to commemorate 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Modi said he looked forward to talks with Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he called "my friend ... who shares a commitment to the vigorous Indian-Israeli relations."

"From increased economic ties to further cooperation between people of my visit to Israel has a wide range of programs," added modi. Significant visit includes meetings with industry leaders and representatives of the Indian community, as well as Moshe Holtzberg, a boy whose parents were killed in the terrorist attacks of 2008 in Mumbai.

Arun K. Singh, former Ambassador of India in Israel, believes that this is "raise awareness" in both countries about the "increasing importance of the relationship." Israel in recent years has become an important defence supplier to India. In April the two countries signed an agreement on air and missile defense worth nearly $2 billion that Israel has called "the biggest deal under contract on defense" in its history.

Modi's trip to Israel takes place amid escalating border dispute between India and neighbouring China, while both sides accuse the other territorial intrusions.
sections: Politics, World News, Accidents