India and Israel started diplomatic relations during his tenure, says Israeli ambassador, applauding former Prime Minister PV Narsimha Rao
Israeli Ambassador Naor Gilon and Israeli Consul to India's Mid-West Kabi Shoshtani have congratulated former Prime Minister PV Narsimha Rao on being conferred India's highest civilian award 'Bharat Ratna'.
New Delhi: Israeli Ambassador Naor Gilon on Friday applauded former Prime Minister PV Narsimha Rao for being honored with India's highest civilian award 'Bharat Ratna', noting that the late Congressman was the one who established diplomatic ties between India and Israel.
Gilon told X: “Congratulations to Shri PV Narasimha Rao on this recognition. In 1992, during his tenure as Prime Minister, diplomatic relations between India and Israel were established. 32 years later, these relationships are flourishing as very few do.”
Congratulations to Shri PV Narasimha Rao on this recognition.
In 1992, during his tenure as Prime Minister, diplomatic relations between India and Israel were established.
32 years later, this relationship is blossoming like very few do. 🇮🇱💪🏾🇮🇳. https://t.co/n8h5TjWVPU— Naor Gilon (@NaorGilon) February 9, 2024
Kobbi Shoshtani, Israeli Consul to India's Mid-West, also congratulated the PV and recalled his crucial role in establishing full diplomatic relations between Israel and India.
“Great move by the Prime Minister. The government will present the Bharat Ratna award to Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, who established full diplomatic ties between Israel and India. The people of Israel remember him for this long-awaited step,” Shoshani said.
PM Modi praises former Prime Minister
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight over former Prime Minister Narsimha Rao being honored with Bharat Ratna in recognition of his extensive work in various capacities, including economic reforms and contributions to foreign policy.
“Happy to share that our former Prime Minister Shri PV Narasimha Rao Garu will be honored with the Bharat Ratna. An eminent scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities. He is also remembered for the work he did as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister, and Member of Parliament and Legislative Assembly for many years,” PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
I am happy to announce that our former Prime Minister Shri PV Narasimha Rao Garu will be honored with the Bharat Ratna.
An eminent scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities. He is remembered as much for the work he did as… pic.twitter.com/lihdk2BzDU
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 9, 2024
He added, “His visionary leadership was instrumental in India's economic progress and laid a solid foundation for the country's prosperity and growth. Narasimha Rao Garu's tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets, fostering a new era of economic development. Moreover, his contributions to India's foreign policy, language and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy as a leader who not only guided India through crucial transformations but also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage.”
Others dignitaries honored with Bharat Ratna
Besides PV Narsimha Rao, the Modi government has also conferred the 'Bharat Ratna' award on Green Revolution creator MS Swaminathan and former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh.
The Prime Minister announced that MS Swaminathan, a renowned expert on Indian agriculture and known for his key role in the country's 'Green Revolution', will receive the award posthumously.
Swaminathan, who has a background in plant genetics, is known as the scientific head of India's green revolution movement for his substantial contributions to the country's agricultural industry. His contributions have played an important role in the revival of Indian agriculture.
The country's Prime Minister from July 1979 to January 1980 was Chaudhary Charan Singh. Moreover, he was a prominent peasant leader who fought for the rights of peasants.
(With input from agencies)