7 April 2015, 08:12 GMT
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Israel, becoming the first ruler of India to do so, the country’s external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said.
"As far as Prime Minister's visit is concerned, he will travel to Israel. No dates have been finalized. It will take place as per mutually convenient dates," Swaraj told reporters Sunday, as quoted by the Hindustan Times.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992, with New Delhi and Jerusalem engaging in economic, military and strategic cooperation. India is the largest buyer of Israeli military equipment.
In 2013, trade between the two countries stood at $4.39 billion, excluding military equipment, according to the Indian Embassy in Israel. New Delhi is Jerusalem’s 10th largest trade partner.
In 2003, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon became the first Israeli leader to visit India.
