India-Israel ties have seen rapid growth over the last several years: PM Modi

Modi was welcomed by Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who himself received him at the airport to celebrate the historic first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Israel. They shook hands and hugged and inspected a guard of honour.

While Modi greeted Netanyahu with a "Shalom", the latter said they waited for 70 years to receive an Indian PM. He called Modi a great world leader.

Going all out to receive Modi, Israel also named a flower after him. "Crysanthumun flower will be named in honour of PM @narendramodi. The flower will be called 'Modi'," said the PMO.

"In this visit, your Make in India initiative, meets my Make with Israel policy. We are setting up a $40 million innovation fund as the seed for even greater cooperation on technology between us," said the Israeli PM.

Israeli PM Netanyahu and PM Modi visited Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem, and paid their respects to the founder of modern Zionism, Theodor Herzl.

Modi also visited Yad Vashem, the world center for Holocaust research, documentation, education and commemoration and paid his respect.

While giving a speech along with his Israeli counterpart, the Indian prime minister said: "India is a fast growing economy and we are using technology and innovation for the progress of our nation."

Modi said it was an honour for him to be the first PM from India to visit Israel.

"My honour to be the 1st ever Indian PM to undertake this ground breaking visit to Israel," Modi said after reaching the country.

Speaking about the bond shared by the two countries, he said: "My visit to Israel shares the bond between the two communities in two countries."

Modi is on his tour to Israel from July 4-July 6.

Indian prime minister even thanked his Israel counterpart for inviting him to visit the nation.

"I thank my friend PM @netanyahu for receiving me. My visit is about the strength of our societies and our strong partnership," he said.

Speaking on India-Israel relationship, Modi said: "We consider Israel an important development partner."

Speaking on the issue of terrorism, Modi said: "We have to secure our societies against the common threat of terrorism."

In another speech, Modi said:  The people of Israel have built a nation on democratic principles. They have nurtured it with hard work, grit and the spirit of innovation. You have marched on regardless of adversity and converted challenges into opportunity. India applauds your achievements.

"Today is July 4, exactly 41 years since Operation Entebbe. The day when your Prime Minister, and my friend, Bibi, lost his older brother Yoni, while saving the lives of so many Israeli hostages. Your heroes are an inspiration for the younger generations," said Modi remembering the day when the Israeli PM had lost his brother 41 years ago.

"My visit marks a path breaking journey of engagement. A journey that we are excited to undertake together for the good of our people and societies. As we march together, a strong and resilient partnership with Israel will be my intent and focus. I thank you once again for this tremendous welcome," said Modi.