President of India likely to visit Israel, Palestine in October

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The presidential motorcade has arrived. Israeli guards are set to welcome Mr. Mukherjee.

Indian MPs arrive at Knesset.

Mural paintings by Shagal decorate the Israeli Parliament. Photo: Stanly Johny

More than 2000 years ago Jews had arrived in India. The Jewish people have always been an integral part of India's composite society, says Mr. Mukherjee.

"Israel and India show the very clear path here. They will fight fundamentalist elements together," says Mr. Eselstein.

"Your country has also seen violent Islamist extremist attacks. Any sensible person would say that killing innocent people would not solve any crisis," says the Speaker.

Welcoming the Indian President, Speaker Yuli says, "You're citing our country at a very turbulent time. Violence is spreading."

In a meeting with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, Mr. Mukherjee condemned the recent spate of violence in east Jerusalem. "We are disturbed at the recent violence. India condemns all forms of violence . We have always sought a peaceful resolution of disputes", he told the delegation and reporters.

The local press is critical of Mr. Mukherjee's Palestine visit. The Jerusalem Post noted that Indian President remained silent on 'Palestinian terrorism' during his visits to Ramallah.


Jerusalem post was earlier Palestine post.

 

[Hindustani78]

President's Secretariat
14-October, 2015 18:41 IST
India and Israel are separated by two seas but joined by their common belief in the power of diversity and democracy, says President

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee said India and Israel are separated by two seas but joined by their common belief in the power of diversity and democracy. He was addressing the members of Knesset today (October 14, 2015) in Jerusalem, Israel.

The President said the Indian people have, nonetheless, always appreciated Israeli innovations in the field of agriculture, the kibbutz system and the remarkable achievements of their scientists and engineers. We admire the will and resolve with which the Jewish people have risen from the depths of unspeakable suffering and deprivation with a strong spirit and built their nation to make it what it is today - a thriving, progressive and prosperous society that leads the world in so many fields. India remembers the help that the Israeli Government provided in rushing critical defence supplies to India when it required them most urgently in 1999. India also appreciates the support that it has received from Israel for its rightful claim to a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

The President said India has been a strong voice of developing countries in the UN and other multilateral organizations. We see that the administrative architecture of international bodies is not effective enough in enforcing their decisions. The United Nations was established at the end of the Second World War. Today its organizations need to be more responsive to the challenges that the world faces – and its structure as well as administrative and financial architecture need reform to make them more reflective of the changed world.

The President said to stimulate India’s domestic manufacturing sector, Government of India has launched “Make in India” campaign. Israeli innovation and technology can combine with Indian engineering and scale to manufacture in India. Such a partnership, particularly in the defence sector, has the potential of creating new markets and generating more jobs - both in India and Israel.

The President invited members of Knesset to visit India to further engage with their parliamentary counterparts and contribute to the enrichment of the bilateral discourse.

***

 

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The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee being received by the President of Israel, Mr. Reuven Rivlin, during the Ceremonial Reception, at President House, Jerusalem on October 14, 2015.

 

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The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee and the President of Israel, Mr. Reuven Rivlin witnessing the Signing of Agreement, at President House, Jerusalem on October 14, 2015.

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee and the President of Israel, Mr. Reuven Rivlin, at the Joint Press Statements, at President House, Jerusalem on October 14, 2015.

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee signing visitors’ book, at President House, Jerusalem on October 14, 2015.

 

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President's Secretariat
14-October, 2015 23:10 IST
Speech by Honourable President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the banquet hosted by the President of Israel October 14, 2015

Your Excellency Mr. Reuven Rivlin, President of the State of Israel,

Mrs. Rivlin,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. It is indeed a privilege for me to make the first ever State Visit by an Indian President to Israel. The Nobel Laureate, Shai Agnon once said "if we breathe the scent of goodly grass, the fragrances of spices, the aroma of good fruits, we pronounce a blessing over the pleasure". I wish to begin by thanking you, Mr. President for the warmth of the welcome that I have received, the graciousness of your hospitality and the friendship of your people.

2. Mr. President, we, in India, know you as a man of courage and conviction. You lead a country that has faced many trials and tribulations throughout its history but whose people have always risen to the challenges that have confronted them. Israel’s leaders have guided their countrymen on a path of hard work, innovation and rapid progress. Their efforts have made them what they are today – a proud, confident and self reliant people.

Excellency,

3. My visit is taking place at a time when our bilateral relations can be described as excellent. In fact, the linkages between India and Israel date back many centuries. According to records, the people of India first welcomed members of the lost tribes of Israel around 175 BC – more than 2000 years ago. They were followed by different groups who were similarly integrated into the Indian society. It was not long before their religious traditions also became a part of India's composite culture. Hebrew has been taught as a subject in our educational system much before the State of Israel was established. Our society was enriched by the contributions of the Indian Jews, who became famous poets, actors, teachers, industrialists and even generals in the Indian army.

4. In the 20th century, our two nations came into being through the trauma of conflict, division and human suffering. We weathered many challenges but our leaders kept their faith in democracy. They believed in the transformative power of education and science in building a strong nation. Today, our strong and vibrant democracies are committed to the vision of our Founding Fathers. Both our countries have invested in building knowledge economies. India’s economy is presently on a fast trajectory of growth. In Israel, the innovation and enterprising spirit of your people have transformed Israel into a hi-tech powerhouse that has many remarkable achievements to its credit.

Excellency,

5. I see a very promising future for our bilateral relations. In the twenty years since we normalized our relations, we have learned to do business with each other and have developed a substantial bilateral agenda. The time is opportune for us to further strengthen our economic cooperation and intensify our collaborations in science and technology. We believe that robust academic exchanges will help us build a rewarding partnership in areas of advanced technology.

Mr. President,

6. The challenges of the 21st century have been rapidly unfolding before us. Our future generations will have to deal with a variety of these including the globalization of extremism, the severe impact of climate change and the scarcity of water. Governments will be hard pressed to meet the rising aspirations of their people. Democracies will have to respond to the needs of increasing diversities and pluralities in their social fabric. The international community must work together now, with wisdom, to create tolerance and understanding for addressing the complex issues confronting mankind. In this scenario, Mr President, the sanskrit shloka, “Vasudhaiva kutumbakam” comes to mind. It is found in the Maha Upanishad and is meant to convey that the whole world is one family, interconnected and interdependent. I would add that although this is an ancient Vedic philosophy, it is more relevant in today’s globalised world than ever before.

7. With these words, Excellency, I take this opportunity to most cordially reiterate my invitation to you to visit India. I thank you, once again, and look forward to the pleasure of receiving you in New Delhi.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I invite you to join me in raising a toast :

• To the health and well-being of President Rivlin and Mrs. Rivlin

• To the enduring friendship between India and Israel

• To peace in this region and the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Israel.

***

 

[Abingdonboy]

 

[Hindustani78]

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at an informal interaction with the Prime Minister of Israel and the leader of opposition in Israel, Mr. Issac Herzog, at Knesset (Israeli Parliament), in Jerusalem, Israel on October 14, 2015.

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee laying wreath, at the Gal-Ed memorial for the fallen of Israel’s wars, in Jerusalem, Israel on October 14, 2015.

The former President of Israel, Mr. Simon Peres calling on the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, in Jerusalem, Israel on October 14, 2015.

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the conclusion of Academic Roundtable between India and Israel, in Jerusalem, Israel on October 14, 2015. The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot and other dignitaries are also seen.

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee witnessing the signing of MoUs, at the conclusion of Academic Roundtable between India and Israel, in Jerusalem, Israel on October 14, 2015. The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot and other dignitaries are also seen.

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee meeting the Speaker of the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), Mr. Yuli-Yoel Edelstein, in Jerusalem, Israel on October 14, 2015.

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressing the members of Knesset (Israeli Parliament), in Jerusalem, Israel on October 14, 2015.

 

[Hindustani78]

Prez skips Palestine issue at Knesset

President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday skipped any reference to Palestine in his speech in the Knesset, but Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu put a case before India to temper its support for its rival, saying atrocities committed by them were not acceptable.

The President’s address and Netanyahu’s response reflected the unease between the two countries over the Israel-Palestine conflict.

In the first address by an Indian President in the Israeli Parliament, Mukherjee recalled the historic relationship Indians have with Jews and spoke about the need for enhanced cooperation in the fields of defence and agriculture.


Mukherjee, however, had made a general reference to the recent violence between Israel and Palestine when he met his Israeli counterpart Reuven Rivlin before his Knesset speech. Expressing distress, he said India has always advocated a peaceful resolution of all disputes and condemned all kinds of terrorism.

Netanyahu, on his part, did rake up the issue and said, “Israel is an island of stability in an unstable region. They want to destroy our people. But we will make sure that they won’t succeed.”

The Israeli leader said, “Look at the Palestinians. They are misled by the radical groups. Radical inciters are telling them that we are going to destroy the Al-Aqsa mosque. We respect all religions and religious places.”

He recalled his relationship with his “dear friend Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi” with whom he speaks “quite often”. Netanyahu said, “When we met last time he told me, ‘I see a paragon of paternity between our two counties.’”

The Israeli Prime Minister also mentioned about Modi's help to Israel while it was engaged in relief work in Nepal during the recent earth quake.

On the peace process, he said Palestine will have to recognise Israel as the nation of Jews and the terror from their side should end.

Mukherjee had arrived in Israel after an over-night stay in Palestine, that too a first by a head of the state in the troubled region, where he said India remain steadfastly committed to the Palestinian cause.

In his speech, Mukherjee said India wants to expand future partnership with Israel and called for close cooperation in a variety of fields, including defence and agriculture.

 

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The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee being conferred the Honorary Doctorate by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, at Jerusalem in Israel on October 15, 2015.'

 

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President's Secretariat
16-October, 2015 11:51 IST
Acceptance speech by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at Hebrew University

Jerusalem, Israel : 16.10.2015
Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr. Michael Federmann

President of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Prof. Menahem Ben Sasson

Rector of the Hebrew University, Prof. Asher Cohen


H’ble Members of the Senate of Hebrew University of Jerusalem,


Members of the Faculty and


Distinguished members of the academic community of this ancient University,


Ladies and Gentlemen,


1. I am delighted to visit the Hebrew University and be amidst you today. It is indeed a great honour for me to be the first Indian President to make a State Visit to Israel. Since my arrival, I have been touched by the warmth and friendly sentiments of the people of Israel.


2. I would like to express my gratitude to the Hebrew University for honouring me today with the Doctor Philosophiae Honoris Causa.



3. I greatly value this gesture of friendship. I, therefore, accept this doctorate as the President of India, on behalf of the people of India. It gives me great pleasure to be associated with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel’s second oldest University and one of its largest research and teaching institutions. I am aware of its magnificent libraries and their famed collections of manuscripts and ancient publications on Jewish thought and culture. I hope to someday have the opportunity to see some of these as well as the Albert Einstein Archives preserved here.


Friends,


4. India attaches great importance to its friendship and partnership with the people of Israel. Our earliest linkages date back more than two thousand years. As you may be aware, India has a significant Jewish population descended from Jewish communities who came to India as far back as 175 BC. Hebrew has been taught as a subject in our educational institutions long before the State of Israel was established.


5. In modern times, our two peoples seem to have naturally revived these old affinities and embarked on a path of cooperation that has evolved into a close and multi-faceted partnership between our two nations.


6. As young nations with an ancient history, both India and Israel seek to develop and progress as knowledge economies. In the 20 years since we normalised relations, we have developed a close partnership in key sectors of defence, agriculture, cyber security and advanced technology.


7. I come at a time when India is at the threshold of a new era of modernisation and economic growth. Our Government has taken a number of initiatives to encourage foreign direct investments and stimulate the manufacturing sector of the Indian economy. The ‘Make in India’, and the ‘Jan Dhan Yojna’ for financial inclusion are two of many new initiatives undertaken by our Government.


8. With Israel, India has a number of complementarities in many key sectors. We are keen to realise the full potential of a partnership between our scientists and researchers. Both our academic communities have much to bring to the table. Eminent Vice Chancellors of premier Indian Universities have accompanied me on this visit to explore and pursue possible collaborations with counterpart universities in areas of shared interest. They hope to foster mutually beneficial academic exchanges, collaborative research and cross pollination of ideas between Indian and Israeli institutions of higher learning. India trains nearly 400,000 engineers every year. Israel, on its part, has proven itself in the field of research and technical innovation. India seeks Israel’s participation in our Digital India programme and the building of India’s smart cities and model villages. Your ideas and innovations could go a long way in achieving the goals of these flagship programmes of our Government. I invite you all to participate in the transformation of India.


9. Many of you may have travelled to India and some of you may be contemplating a visit. Travel itself is an educative and enriching experience. Our Government has selected Israel among the few countries to which it has extended the e-tourist visa facility. We do believe that increased exchanges at multiple levels will enhance the mutual understanding between our peoples. At the Knesset yesterday, I stressed the importance of institutionalising regular exchanges between our elected representatives. I am accompanied by the H’ble Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Mr. Thaawar Chand Gehlot and a multi party delegation of H’ble Members of the Indian Parliament. They join me in inviting you to visit India and contribute to the strengthening of the friendship between our peoples.



With these words, Mr. President, I thank you once again.


****************


President's Secretariat
16-October, 2015 11:42 IST
Hebrew University Confers Honorary Doctorate on President

President Calls upon Israeli Scientists and Researchers to Participate in the Transformation of India
Hebrew University conferred Honorary Doctorate on President Pranab Mukherjee yesterday (October 15, 2015) at a ceremony held in Jerusalem, Israel.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said he accepts the doctorate as the President of India, on behalf of the people of India. It gives him great pleasure to be associated with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, one of Israel's largest research and teaching institutions.

The President said India has a number of complementarities with India in many key sectors. India is keen to realise the full potential of a partnership between scientists and researchers of the two countries. Both our academic communities have much to bring to the table. India trains nearly 400,000 engineers every year. Israel, on its part, has proven itself in the field of research and technical innovation. India seeks Israel’s participation in its Digital India programme and the building of India’s smart cities and model villages. Ideas and innovations of Israeli scientists and researchers could go a long way in helping us achieve the goals of these flagship programmes of Government of India. He called upon Israeli scientists and researchers to participate in the transformation of India.

***

President's Secretariat
16-October, 2015 12:09 IST
Media statement by the President of India upon the conclusion of his state visit to Jordan, Palestine and Israel en route from Telaviv to New Delhi
Following is the full text of the statement to media by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee upon the conclusion of his State visit to Jordan, Palestine and Israel (from October 10 to 15, 2015). The statement was made on board the aircraft during the President’s return to New Delhi from Telaviv yesterday (October 15, 2015):

“I have just concluded successful state visits to Jordan, Palestine and Israel from October 10-15, 2015. My delegation included Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment and six Members of Parliament representing major political parties, namely, Prof. K.V. Thomas, Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre, Shri Prathap Simha, Shri Vinod Chavda and Dr. Anupam Hazra. Senior officials of Rashtrapathi Bhavan, MEA, MHRD, Vice Chancellors of JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia, Director, IIT Kharagpur and Director, Cluster Innovation Centre, Delhi University were also part of my delegation.

My visits to Jordan, Palestine and Israel were first ever visits by an Indian President. They reflect the importance that India places on enhancing our partnership with countries of this region, which is our extended neighbourhood. I took the opportunity to brief the leaderships of these countries on the initiatives of our Government in various fields and to explore possiblities of enhanced cooperation in bilateral, regional and international context.

Jordan

India has close, warm and cordial relations with Jordan. We admire the leadership of His Majesties Late King Hussein and King Abdullah II that has ensured Jordan's continued progress despite many challenges. During the visit, I held meetings with His Majesty King Abdullah II and Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour of Jordan. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser S. Judeh called on me. We discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual concern. In all my meetings, I found a significant convergence of mutual interests and a genuine deep-seated desire for closer cooperation.

We explored possibilities of opening up new synergies in different areas of mutual interest including counter terrorism, defence, IT, and energy. HM King Abdullah II expressed his keen desire to encourage Indian companies to work with the Jordanian ICT companies. 16 MoUs and Agreements, including between academic institutions were finalised. A major avenue in Amman was named after Mahatma Gandhi during my visit.

King Abdullah II supported India’s candidature to permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council and the ongoing UN reform process. King Abdullah II and I inaugurated a US$ 860 million project of Jordan-India Fertilizer Co., a joint venture between IFFCO and the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company to produce phosphoric acid for export to India. In response to my appeal, King Abdullah II expressed willingness to enter into long-term arrangements for supply of phosphates to India from Jordan as well as establish more JVs to meet demand of phosphoric acid, rock phosphate and DAP. I announced a Line of Credit of US $ 100 million to Jordan as Project Assistance and increase of the number of ITEC slots from 30 to 50. I invited their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania to pay a State visit to India at the earliest opportunity, which was accepted graciously.

Palestine

In Palestine, I was received with great warmth and affection by President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Dr. Rami Hamdallah and leaders of major political parties. President Abbas briefed me about the evolving situation in Israel-Palestine relations and emphasised that they were seeking a peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue.

I reiterated India’s principled support to the Palestinian cause and called for a negotiated solution resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side at peace with Israel as endorsed in the Quartet Roadmap and relevant UNSC Resolutions.

President Abbas appreciated our support and thanked me profusely for staying overnight in Ramallah, being the first Head of State from any country to do so. He respectfully described us as ‘brothers’ and not just friends. He assured me that they were seekers of peace following in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi. He conveyed his conviction that non-violence is the only way for Palestine to realize it’s dream of an independent Palestinian State.

I announced increase of ICCR scholarships from 10 to 25 per annum and ITEC slots from 50 to 100 for Palestine. We handed over a cheque worth US$ 5 million as budgetary support to the Palestinian authority.

I paid floral tributes at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi placed at the Garden of Nations in Ramallah and inaugurated along with President Abbas a roundabout named ‘Maidan Al Hind’. I paid tributes at the Mausoleum of Yasser Arafat, who was a good friend of India and whom I had met personally on several occasions. I inaugurated the India-Palestine Center for Excellence in ICT in the Al Quds University and announced India’s decision to build one more India-Palestine Center for Excellence in ICT in Gaza with similar aims and objectives at an estimated cost of US$ 1 million. I announced Government of India’s decision to set up an IT park in Ramallah at an estimated cost of US$ 12 million and a Palestinian Institute of Diplomacy at an estimated cost of US$ 4.5 million.

The India-Palestine Higher Education Roundtable was held between premier institutions of our two countries and establishment of an Indian Chair in Al Quds University announced. In all, six MOUs and Agreements were signed during the visit. I invited President Abbas to visit India and he assured me of doing so at an early date.

Israel

In Israel, I was received with great warmth and friendship by President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Speaker of Knesset Yuli-Yoel Edelstein. We reviewed our multidimensional relations and explored ways and means to enhance them for the mutual benefit of our two countries. I was deeply honoured to be invited to address the Knesset and touched by the enthusiasm I found amongst Members of Parliament for better relations with India. I along with our Members of Parliament had a detailed interaction with Leader of the Opposition Isaac Herzog and his colleagues.

I visited Mt. Herzl and paid my respects to victims of the Holocaust at Yad Vashem, the World Centre for Holocaust Research, where I was accompanied by President Rivlin. I also placed a wreath at the tomb of Theodor Herzl.

I described Israel as one of the most important countries for India and conveyed the need for our two countries to reinvigorate bilateral ties in all areas of our engagement. Israel has provided defence equipment, platforms and systems at a time when India needed them the most. We discussed the need to expand cooperation in solar energy, dairy development, water management, horticulture, animal husbandry and agriculture as well as cooperation between Indian Space Research Organization and Israeli Space Agency. PM Netanyahu and I discussed new possibilities and synergies to diversify our trade as well as mutual investments. I informed the Israeli leadership about various initiatives taken by the Government of India like ‘Make in India’, ‘Digital India’, ‘Clean Ganga’, ‘Smart Cities’, ‘Start-up India’, etc. and invited investment as well as participation by Israeli companies.

I invited President Rivlin and Prime Minister Netanyahu to visit India. President Rivlin accepted my invitation and confirmed his intention to do so at an early date. I also invited Israeli Parliamentarians to come to India and engage with their Indian counterparts.

Nobel Prize winner and former Israeli President as well as Prime Minister, Shimon Peres called on me as an old friend. He described my visit as one carrying hope and peace. He said India with its democracy and multi cultural society is a model to Israel and all other countries.

Two agreements were signed between the Governments. Eight MoUs were also exchanged between educational institutions of India and Israel. These will promote cooperation in the field of higher education between the two countries and provide for joint research, exchange of scholars, etc.

In public remarks, I expressed distress at recent incidents of violence, condemned all forms of terrorism and called for peaceful resolution of all disputes.

Honorary Doctorates were conferred upon me by leading Universities of all three countries, the University of Jordan, the Al Quds University and the Hebrew University, which I accepted in humility as symbol of their friendship and regard for India. I also addressed the Indian community as well as friends of India in Amman and Jerusalem.

I thank my hosts in Jordan, Palestine and Israel for the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation. These visits have helped deepen our mutually beneficial relations. I return with the conviction that the governments of all the three countries are keen to take relations with India to much higher levels. India will actively work towards enhancing our partnership with Jordan, Palestine and Israel in the days to come”.

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