August 19, 2018
Dear Mr. Prime Minister, Narendra my friend,
On behalf of the people of Israel, I send our sincere condolences on the passing of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Mr. Vajpayee was a central figure in Indian politics for decades. He fought for India's independence, and served the country in many positions. It was as foreign minister and prime minister that he was able to strengthen India's security and its position in the world by forging important ties with other countries. His reforms to India's economy improved the lives of millions.
As prime minister, Mr. Vajpayee helped advance relations between Israel and India, overseeing the crucial first stage in expanding our ties, a process which has grown exponentially under your tenure.
As you so fittingly put it, Mr. Vajpayee's passing symbolizes the end of an era. Please convey my sympathies to Ms. Bhattachariya and her family.
In friendship,
Benjamin Netanyahu
H.E. Narendra Modi
Prime Minister of the Republic of India
New Delhi
Jerusalem, Israel