Israeli PM in Agra, visits Taj Mahal

The first Israeli Prime Minister to visit Taj Mahal, Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday spent over an hour with his wife Sara there, keenly watching the intricate inlay work and observing details of the architectural finesse of the 17th century white marble marvel.

The couple got photographed, one sitting and the other standing, on the famous Diana bench, and asked the guides and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials questions about the history and architecture of the "monument of love".

Earlier, the Israeli PM and his delegation were welcomed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the Kheria Airport near here. A troupe also presented traditional folk dances of Braj, which the visiting dignitaries watched with rapt attention.

Yogi, however, did not accompany the visiting Prime Minister to Taj Mahal.

The Netanyahus spent around one-and-half hours at Taj Mahal and later had lunch at hotel Amar Vilas with the Chief Minister.

Tourists were denied entry to Taj Mahal for over three hours and all gates were sealed by security personnel. The nearly 11-km route from Kheria Airport to the Taj also remained sealed for over four hours, causing inconvenience to the locals.

Earlier, Agra Mayor Navin Jain and his wife received the guests, along with the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister.

--IANS

bk/nir/dg