Indian PM Narendra Modi and Israeli PM Netanyahu pose for photographers after the latter arrived in New Delhi. — AFP

Mixed emotions as Israeli PM Netanyahu visits India

While Indian PM Modi was all smiles, several rights and religious groups staged protests, urging Netanyahu to “go back!”
Published January 16, 2018

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for the first visit by an Israeli leader to India in 15 years, promising closer ties with the regional power.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Netanyahu's visit, telling his counterpart: "Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations."

While the Modi administration was all smiles at Netanyahu's surprise six-day visit, the same cannot be said about several religious and human rights groups, who took to the streets to register their protest, urging the Israeli premier to "go back!"

Indian PM Narendra Modi welcomes Israeli PM Netanyahu on his arrival at the Air Force Station in New Delhi — AFP
Indian PM Narendra Modi welcomes Israeli PM Netanyahu on his arrival at the Air Force Station in New Delhi — AFP

Israeli PM Netanyahu speaks to media as Indian PM Modi look on during a ceremonial reception at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi — AFP
Israeli PM Netanyahu speaks to media as Indian PM Modi look on during a ceremonial reception at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi — AFP

Indian PM Modi hugs Israeli PM Netanyahu during a press conference at Hyderabad House in New Delhi — AFP
Indian PM Modi hugs Israeli PM Netanyahu during a press conference at Hyderabad House in New Delhi — AFP

Protesters hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the visit of Israeli PM Netanyahu in Mumbai. — AP
Protesters hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the visit of Israeli PM Netanyahu in Mumbai. — AP

Protesters hold black flags and shout slogans during a protest against the visit of Israeli PM Netanyahu in Mumbai — AP
Protesters hold black flags and shout slogans during a protest against the visit of Israeli PM Netanyahu in Mumbai — AP

Policemen reinforce barricades during a protest by members of India’s various left parties and civilians against the visit of Israeli PM Netanyahu — AP
Policemen reinforce barricades during a protest by members of India’s various left parties and civilians against the visit of Israeli PM Netanyahu — AP

People hold placards during a protest by members of India’s various left parties and civilians against the visit of Israeli PM Netanyahu — AP
People hold placards during a protest by members of India’s various left parties and civilians against the visit of Israeli PM Netanyahu — AP

People hold placards during a protest by members of India’s various left parties and civilians against the visit of Israeli PM Netanyahu — AP
People hold placards during a protest by members of India’s various left parties and civilians against the visit of Israeli PM Netanyahu — AP

A protestor waves Palestinian flag as Indian police barricades a road during a protest by members of India’s various left parties and civilians — AP
A protestor waves Palestinian flag as Indian police barricades a road during a protest by members of India’s various left parties and civilians — AP