Jerusalem/New Delhi, 11 June (H.S.): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, saying India-Israel relations have reached unprecedented levels during his tenure.

In a video message released after Modi completed 12 consecutive years in office, Netanyahu congratulated him on becoming India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister and described him as a leader who had transformed the country.

You've transformed India. You've strengthened the bond between India and Israel and earned the admiration of millions around the world, Netanyahu said.

The Israeli Prime Minister noted that the friendship between the two leaders and the partnership between the two countries had grown significantly over the years.

Our friendship and the bond between our great nations have never been stronger. I look forward to seeing you again soon and continuing to work together in the years ahead, he said.

India-Israel relations have expanded substantially under Modi's leadership. In 2017, Modi became the first serving Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel, marking a new phase in bilateral ties. Cooperation between the two countries has since deepened in areas such as defence, agriculture, water management, innovation and technology.

Netanyahu also wished continued success to India under Modi's leadership and extended his greetings to the people of India.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar