Again PM Modi’s speech echoed in Israel, said it took 70 years to meet you.

Tel Aviv: PM Narendra Modi began his speech addressing the Indian-origin Jewish community in Israel with a confession. PM Modi said that, “The truth is that we meet after not just 10, 20 or 50 years but after a full 70 years.”

 Modi's emotional pitch generated an instant response from the audience. "When people meet after a long time they ask `kya haal hai' and in that there is an admission that a long time has passed," Modi said.

Even though the PM's visit was a historic occasion, Modi said the long interval also raised a question mark, alluding to political considerations such as domestic sensitivities and the influence of the "non-aligned" movement that saw Israel being avoided. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said he would like to see more Indians visit Israel on a "curry trail" just as Israelis head to India on backpacking tours.

Modi said the manner in which the Netanyahu family opened its home to him were unforgettable. Supporting Netanyahu's remarks that India and Israel were forging a partnership for the future, Modi emphasised that both leaders were born after the independence of their nations.

Modi said the agreements signalled that the strategic embrace was tighter than ever. India's move to GST and the opening of its industry, including in defence, meant Israeli businesses could now fancy their chances.

Modi spoke of the late General JFR Jacob, who was a member of BJP, and his role in India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, which resulted in the birth of Bangladesh. "It was Gen Jacob who helped plan a strategy and script India's victory." "Israel has shown that size and numbers don't matter in success. What matters in spirit and self-confidence," he said.