PM Modi Thanks Netanyahu for I-Day Greetings, Hopes India-Israel Ties Grow Stronger
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his greetings on India’s 80th Independence Day, expressing hope that the bilateral special strategic partnership would grow even stronger, unlocking new opportunities and forging deeper people-to-people connections between the two nations.
Mr. Netanyahu congratulated India and “my dear friend” Prime Minister Modi on the country’s 80th Independence Day. He noted that India and Israel achieved independence one year apart, and that both are ancient nations that seize the future together to bring a better life for their people. “Our innovation and friendship are boundless. The best is yet to come!” he said.
Responding, PM Modi said India deeply values its friendship with Israel. “We remain committed to further strengthening our Strategic Partnership for the benefit of our people,” he said. Israeli President Isaac Herzog also greeted President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi, hoping the two countries would continue to strengthen this “beautiful friendship”.
PM Modi also thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for his warm wishes on the occasion.
Leaders from neighbouring nations also conveyed their greetings. Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay extended warm wishes to “elder brother” PM Modi, hoping the friendship and bond between the two nations continue to flourish. PM Modi responded that India deeply cherishes its special and enduring partnership with Bhutan, which continues to go from strength to strength.
Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to PM Modi, hoping that deep historical ties, close people-to-people relations and cooperation between Nepal and India would continue to strengthen. PM Modi, thanking him, said India is committed to working together to further strengthen the multifaceted and age-old civilisational ties between India and Nepal for the mutual prosperity and well-being of both peoples.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu extended warmest greetings to President Murmu, PM Modi, the government and the people of India, saying that eight decades of independence reflect the aspirations, resilience and enduring spirit of the nation. He reaffirmed the commitment of his government to advancing the close partnership built upon mutual respect, shared prosperity and enduring friendship. PM Modi thanked him and expressed hope that the bonds of friendship between India and the Maldives would continue to grow stronger.
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said Cyprus and India enjoy a strategic partnership rooted in shared principles and common interests, guided by a forward-looking agenda that is already delivering tangible benefits. “We remain firmly committed to further deepening and broadening this partnership, and to unlocking its full potential,” he said. PM Modi thanked him, saying India looks forward to working together to further strengthen the close and extensive strategic partnership between the two nations.
The exchange of greetings came as India marked its 80th Independence Day, with leaders across the world extending best wishes to the nation. The India-Israel relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership during PM Modi’s historic visit to Israel in 2017, reflecting the deepening ties between the two countries in areas such as defence, agriculture, and technology.
