Israel FM cuts short his India visit, will return after meeting PM Modi today

Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday morning but just a few hours after landing, he announced that he will cut short his crucial trip because of the security situation in his country.The trip was supposed to be for three days, which included visits to Agra and Mumbai.

Cohen said, "I landed a short time ago in New Delhi, the capital of India, and immediately upon landing I received a security update." He further added that he will return to Israel after his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which will take place today.

India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and his Israeli counterpart held bilateral talks in New Delhi and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the India-Israel relationship.

Three MoUs signed between India and Israel in the presence of India's Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and the Israeli foreign minister.

Latest reports from Tel Aviv said that Israel has launched a major military offensive targeting some militants in Gaza Strip.

Local reports mentioned that at least 12 Palestinians, including three commanders of the militant group Islamic Jihad, have been killed in the airstrikes.

Cohen said,"A short while ago I landed in India for a very important strategic and political visit. I am receiving constant update from Israel on the situation and I hope to meet today with the Indian Prime Minister, and after that will shorten my visit and go back to Israel."

India-Israel ties have flourished in the past few years in various sectors, including defence, agriculture and water management and Cohen's visit was part of the preparations for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to India later this year.

In January, PM Modi had a telephone conversation with his Israeli counterpart Netanyahu during which both leaders agreed on the potential for further strengthening bilateral strategic cooperation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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