Israel Prez to hold talks with PM Modi, focus on agri cooperation

Israel President Reuven Rivlin, who arrived here yesterday on an eight-day official visit to India, will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday - the focus of which is likely to be on agricultural cooperation between the two sides.

India and Israel enjoy excellent relations marked by strong ties in the areas of economy and commerce, science and technology, research and innovation, culture and tourism, education etc.

During his visit from November 14-21, President Rivlin will be meeting his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee, who will also host a banquet in his honour. Later, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will call on the visiting dignitary.

At 10 a.m., the visiting President will receive a Ceremonial Reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, and he will visit Rajghat 10.25 am for wreath laying at the Memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.

The meeting between President Rivlin and Prime Minister Modi will take place at 11.30 a.m., at the Hyderabad House, which will be followed by the signing of agreements and press statement at 12.30 p.m.

Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari will call on President Rivlin at 4 p.m. at Hotel Taj Palace, while the visiting President will call on his Indian counterpart at the Rashtrapati Bhawan 7.30 p.m., which will be followed by a banquet hosted by President Mukherjee at 8 p.m.

President Rivlin will be visiting the Taj Mahal at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, followed by a visit to Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam Water Treatment Plant at Sikandra at 12 in the noon.

He will return here at 3.45 p.m.

President Rivlin, who is visiting India on an invitation of President Mukherjee, is expected to meet business leaders of both India and Israel. He will also be visiting 'Centre of Excellence' in agriculture in Karnal and will participate in Agro Tech - 2016 on Thursday.