Jerusalem/New Delhi, Oct 17 (UNI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday began his five-day Israel visit by laying a wreath at the Talpiot cemetery in tribute to the Indian soldiers who died in World War I while fighting as part of the British Army for liberating what later became Israel.
In a tweet, the EAM said he visited the Indian Cemetery at Talpiot as his first engagement in Jerusalem.
“Visited the Indian Cemetery at Talpiot as my first engagement in Jerusalem. Paid homage to the brave Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during World War I,” he posted.
He laid a wreath and also wrote in the Visitor’s Book.
Naor Gilon, the Israeli Ambassador to India, in a tweet posted:
“MEA @DrSJaishankar at Talpiot Cemetery. Paying respect to Indian soldiers who died in WWI while fighting as part of the British Army for liberating what later became Israel. “Another important element connecting India-Israel.“
About 900 Indian soldiers are interred in cemeteries across Israel in Jerusalem, Ramle and Haifa.
He arrived earlier on Sunday on a five-day visit that will see him hold bilateral talks with the Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Israel Yair Lapid, and also call on President Isaac Herzog, and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
This is his first visit to Israel as External Affairs Minister.
“Shalom Israel!
“Arrived on my first visit as External Affairs Minister. Looking forward to a great visit,” the EAM tweeted on arrival.
Jaishankar is paying an official visit to Israel at the invitation of Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Israel Yair Lapid.
India and Israel elevated bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership during the historic visit of PM Narendra Modi to Israel in July 2017. Since then, the relationship between the two countries has focused on expanding the knowledge-based partnership, which includes collaboration in innovation and research, including boosting the ‘Make in India’ initiative, an official statement said.
EAM will interact with the Indian-origin Jewish community in Israel, Indologists, Indian students who are currently pursuing their education in Israeli universities, and business people, including from the hi-tech industries.
UNI/RN