Hon. Minister Vijay Goel, Distinguished Guests,Ladies&Gentlemen
I am honored to welcome you to the celebration of Israel’s 69th Independence Day. This year is especially momentous as we also celebrate 25 years of Diplomatic Relations, Friendship & ever-Growing Partnership between India and Israel. 25 years to be proud of. The visit by President Mukherjee to my country last year, the return visit by President Rivlin to India last November as well as the expected visit by Prime Minister Modi to Israel in the coming months are not less than historical.
India and Israel are both two ancient peoples, proud of their respective history and culture; two modern democratic societies eager to grasp the future. Together, over the last 25 years, we have solidified strong and sound bilateral relations, and we have done a lot together in Agriculture, Defense, Water, Technology and more. We are proud to be India’s technological partner. Together, in the next 25 years we will do wonders, and the best is yet to come!
I would like to thank you, Honorable Minister Goel, for gracing us with your participation, representing the Government of India. Since you are the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, let me reassure you that “the best teams” both in India and Israel are dedicated to nurture the India-Israel Growing Partnership – these are winner teams for a winning partnership!
I would also like to thank the israelinindia team: my colleagues at the Embassy in Delhi, and in our Consulates in Mumbai and Bangalore, Israelis and Indians alike, for their remarkable, dedicated work. TODA,THANK YOU. DHANYAVAD.
Mr. Minister, Distinguished Guests, let us raise a toast to our friendship: – Long live the India-Israel bond. Happy Independence Day – Hag Atzmaut Sameach!