New Delhi,
A picture that speaks a thousand words — Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flew from Amman to Palestine in a chopper provided by the Jordanian Government and escorted by the Israeli Air Force. Jordan facilitated the transit and the Indian delegation did not pass through Israeli check-points.

Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to travel to Ramallah, completing his government’s de-hyphenation policy between Israel and Palestine.

Accompanied by Palestinian PM Rami Hamdallah, Modi first laid a wreath on the tomb of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and toured the Arafat museum.

Modi was then welcomed by President Mahmoud Abbas and accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at Al Muqata’a, the presidential headquarters, before heading into formal talks and a working luncheon.

“I would like to reaffirm our commitment to political actions to meet our national aspirations based on the 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as our capital,” said President Abbas in his press remarks.

In a special recognition of PM Modi’s contribution to bilateral relations, President Abbas conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine on him — the highest order given to foreign dignitaries. It has been awarded to King Salman of Saudi Arabia, King Hamad of Bahrain and President Xi Jinping of China, among others, in the past.

“Our support for the Palestinian cause has been a continuous thread in India’s foreign policy — unbroken and unwavering. That is why I am here in Ramallah,” said Modi.

However, in a departure from practice, he did not mention the ‘two-state solution’ in his statement, but hoped for a resolution soon to one of the world’s longest conflicts.

“We hope for the earliest realisation of a sovereign, independent state of Palestine living in an environment of peace. We must continue the path of talks to find a solution,” Modi said.

Six MoUs and agreements were signed with a focus on health, employment and women empowerment. India is aiding the construction of an Institute of Diplomacy in Palestine, setting up a $30 million super-specialty hospital and the construction of two schools.

The PM then flew to Abu Dhabi via Amman. Iconic buildings Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame and ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) headquarters were lit up in Indian flag colours as Modi arrived in the UAE.