A fast-growing flower in Israel has been named after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, one of many extravagant gestures made by the country towards the Indian leader, who is on a three-day trip to the country. Modi became the first Indian prime minister in 70 years to visit Israel on Tuesday. He was welcomed at the airport by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who otherwise reserves such gestures only for the Pope.
After landing in Tel Aviv, Modi visited the Danziger flower farm with Netanyahu, where they were both briefed about the latest floriculture technologies. Netanyahu is expected to accompany Modi to most of his events in Israel, which is also considered uncommon as far as the Israeli prime minister’s dealings with other world leaders go.
After the visit to the farm, the Israeli government tweeted: “New fast-growing Israeli Crysanthumun [chrysanthemum] flower named in honor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will be called “MODI”. Indeed, a #GrowingPartnership!”. The spokesperson of the Indian External Affairs Ministry, Gopal Baglay, said the special gesture was a “symbol of [a] blooming” India-Israel relationship.
The Danzinger flower farm, located in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva near Jerusalem, is one of Israel’s leading floriculture companies. The farm was founded in 1953.
Netanyahu had welcomed Modi to the country on Tuesday by saying, “Aapka swagat hai mere dost [Welcome, my friend]” The Israeli prime minister had said that with the progress in space technology collaboration, the “sky was no longer the limit” for bilateral ties.
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