Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Yair Lapid on taking over as Israel’s premier and said he looks forward to taking forward the bilateral strategic partnership as the two countries celebrate 30 years of full diplomatic ties.
Lapid countered by saying that India is an “important partner” and a “close friend of Israel”, and looks forward to working together to deepen this friendship.
Israel’s parliament on Thursday voted to dissolve itself and hold elections in November for the fifth time in less than four years in the country.
Israel’s foreign minister and architect of the outgoing coalition government, Lapid, became the country’s acting prime minister after midnight on Friday. He took over from Naftali Bennett, Israel’s shortest-serving prime minister.
“Hearty congratulations and heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellency @yairlapid for taking over the Premiere of Israel. I look forward to taking forward our strategic partnership as we celebrate 30 years of full diplomatic relations,” Modi tweeted.
Hearty congratulations and congratulations to Your Excellency @yairlapid on becoming the Prime Minister of Israel. As we complete 30 years of full diplomatic relations, I look forward to continuing to advance our strategic partnership.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 1, 2022
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Lapid replied, “Thank you, @NarendraModi. India is an important partner and close friend of Israel. I look forward to working together to deepen this friendship and strengthen the special ties between our two countries.”
Modi also tweeted to Naftali Bennett. “Thank you His Excellency @naftalibennett for being a true friend of India. I cherish our fruitful conversation and wish you success in your new role,” he said in another tweet.
Bennett replied, “Thank you my dear friend. For a long and strong friendship.”