at airport(Eds: Incorporating related stories, adding more details)New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) Israeli Prime Minister BenjaminNetanyahu arrived here today on a "historic" six-day visitduring which he will hold extensive talks with his Indiancounterpart Narendra Modi, who received him at the airport,setting aside protocol.
Modi welcomed Netanyahu with a hug upon his arrival.
"Welcome to India, my friend PM @netanyahu! Your visit toIndia is historic and special. It will further cement theclose friendship between our nations," Modi tweeted in Englishand Hebrew.
Natanyahu, who arrived here with his wife Sara, and ahigh-level business delegation, tweeted, "We have landed inIndia. Thank you to my good friend Narendra Modi for the warmwelcome!"Ahead of his departure from Israel, Netanyahu said, "Weare strengthening ties between Israel and this importantglobal power (India).""This serves our security, economic, trade and tourisminterests, as well as many other areas. This is a greatblessing for the state of Israel," he said.
According to Israeli officials, Netanyahu was pleasantlysurprised by Modi welcoming him at the airport.
"I very much appreciate the gesture," Netanyahu wasquoted as saying by officials.
Modi and Netanyahu are known to share a warm personalrapport.
During Modi's visit to Israel last year, Netanyahu hadreceived the Indian prime minister at the airport.
Netanyahu's visit to India is only the second by anIsraeli prime minister and comes after a gap of 15 years.
Former prime minister Ariel Sharon had visited India in 2003.
Modi and Netanyahu later attended a ceremony to renameTeen Murti Chowk in central Delhi as Teen Murti-Haifa Chowk.
They also laid a wreath and signed the visitor's book atthe memorial.
The three bronze statues at Teen Murti represent theHyderabad, Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers who were part of the 15Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade. The brigade carried out thevictorious assault on the fortified city of Haifa on September23, 1918, during World War I.
The renaming gesture underscores the special link and thecommon history between Israel and India, Netanyahu said afterthe event, according to Israeli officials.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also called onthe Israeli prime minister.
During the meeting, Netanyahu told Swaraj that he wasoverwhelmed by the warmth he received upon his arrival here.
He also said that his visit can catapult bilateral tiesto the next level.
Later, Modi also hosted a private dinner for Netanyahuand his wife.
During Netanyahu's visit, which comes days after Indiavoted against Israel at the UN on the Jerusalem issue, severalMoUs, including in the field of defence, oil and gas,renewable energy, amended protocol for airports, cybersecurity, and co-production of films and documentaries areexpected to be signed between the two sides.
India had last month joined 127 other countries to votein the United Nations General Assembly in favour of aresolution opposing the recent decision of US President DonaldTrump to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
During his stay, Netanyahu will also visit Gujarat andMumbai.
On January 15, Netanyahu will meet the Indo-Israeli CEOforum here and address a separate business event. He willdeliver a speech at the Raisina Dialogue on January 16.
Netanyahu will also call on President Ram Nath Kovind.
He will leave for Ahmedabad on the morning of January 17.
In Ahmedabad, he will visit the Sabarmati Ashram. Modi andNetanyahu will also visit the Center of Excellence in Vadradand inaugurate a Center of Excellence for date palms in Bhujvia video conferencing.
The Israeli prime minister will have a number ofengagements in Mumbai on January 18.
The Israeli embassy had said that Netanyahu will meetwith Jewish community leaders and select members of the Indianbusiness community in Mumbai.
It had said he will reach out to Bollywood in anexclusive "Shalom Bollywood" event.
In Mumbai, he will also attend a ceremony at the ChabadHouse, which will be attended by Moshe Holtzberg.
Fondly known as Moshe, the 11-year-old's parents werekilled in the Chabad House during the 26/11 terror strike,which had come under attack. PTI NAB PR PYK ASKASK.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.