Narendra Modi has arrived in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah on a landmark visit - the first ever by an Indian prime minister - that Palestinian leaders have hailed as "historic".

After holding talks with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Modi said India hoped to see an "independent Palestinian state living in an environment of peace".

Earlier he met Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah and visited the Yasser Arafat Museum where he laid a wreath.

Friendship between India and Palestine has stood the test of time. The people of Palestine have shown remarkable courage in the face of several challenges. India will always support Palestine's development journey. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 10, 2018

In a Twitter post on Friday, Modi noted looking forward to "reaffirming our support for the Palestinian people and the development of Palestine".

The official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that the two leaders will discuss means of enhancing "bilateral relations", and are set to sign a memorandum of understanding.

Experts say the visit is part of balancing Indian foreign policy in the Middle East.

Prior to arriving at the occupied Palestinian territories, Modi met Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman. He is scheduled to head to the UAE and Oman on Sunday, as part of his regional tour.

According to Vijay Prashad, a US-based professor of International Studies, India's ties to Palestine remain contested.

"There are external pressures on the government - especially from Arab states, which provide energy and jobs for India and Indians," Prashad told Al Jazeera.

"India provides millions of dollars of project aid. Modi is in Palestine to inaugurate one such project," Prashad noted.

"The visit shows that it will not be easy for an Indian government to ignore Palestine," he added.

India-Israel ties

The visit comes weeks after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded a six-day trip to India, vowing to "further cement the close friendship" between Israel and India. In July 2017, Modi and Netanyahu reignited their relationship when the former visited Tel Aviv to discuss issues related to economic development and defence.

But the relationship between India and Palestine stems from deep-rooted ties, which date back to the 1970s, when India established relations with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) - now an umbrella of major Palestinian political parties.

India had voted along with other Arab nations against the UN partition plan to divide Palestine into two states.

According to Mazen Shamiyeh, a Palestinian foreign ministry official, India will likely assert its policy when it comes to the Middle East, particularly regarding the Palestinian cause.

"[India] will stress its support for the two-state solution and a return to negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians," Shamiyeh told Al Jazeera.

"India will present economic contributions to the Palestinian Authority that will be more than what it has offered in the previous years," he added.

The approach is due to several reasons, says Shamiyeh, particularly India's ambition in becoming a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

"It is seeking the need to reform the international system and protecting international law," he explained, and for preserving its interests in the Arab world as well.

'Striking a balance'

While Israel and India established diplomatic relations in 1992, the warmer ties have become more visible since India's ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), came to power in 2014.

{articleGUID}

India is currently the biggest buyer of Israeli weaponry, spending an average $1bn annually on military equipment in recent years.

Modi's right-wing government has been working to boost its relations with Israel giving rise to fears that it might abandon its support to the Palestinian cause.

In December, however, India voted against the United States' decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel at the UN General Assembly, in a step that was in line with New Delhi's traditional support to Palestine.

Shamiyeh views India's ties with Israel as a purely tactical one.

"It [India] must strike a balance when it comes to dealing with both sides," he said.

Historically, Palestine has been a major recipient of Indian aid since the 1990s.

"Official statistics on this figure are difficult to trace, though the contribution is not likely to be very significant," journalist Sukumar Muralidharan, who has written extensively on India-Palestine relations, told Al Jazeera.

"Aid for Palestine probably comes out of the residual category of 'other countries', which involves a total amount of about $25 million," Muralidharan explained.

"The volume of the contribution is minuscule when assessed against India's purchase of Israeli military hardware," he added.

In 2016, India established an IT hub in Ramallah by providing a $12m grant. And today, Modi's visit is expected to end with a deal enhancing the Palestinian health sector.

'Symbolic' visit

Muralidharan noted the last two meetings between Modi and Netanyahu have overturned precedent dating back to 1992, and may have shifted the balance "too far" in Israel's favour.

"Foreign policy has its own institutional momentum in India and Modi's visit to the Palestinian territories may be an effort to restore older principles before they are seen as irreparably damaged," he said, describing the visit as one that is "mostly symbolic".

Apoorva Gautam, South Asia Coordinator at the Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS), says the real support for Palestine lies with the Indian people.

"India under Modi has become Israel's best friend. The current Indian and Israeli governments share a common political vision of repression, exclusion and a blatant disregard of human rights," Gautam told Al Jazeera.

"The real support for Palestine lies with the Indian people, which is now taking the form of steadily growing BDS initiatives," she said.

Established in 2005, BDS is a grassroots movement calling for a boycott of Israeli goods, divestment from Israeli firms operating in occupied territories and imposition of sanctions in order to pressure the Israelis to prevent human rights abuses against Palestinians.

The movement accuses Israel of imposing apartheid-like conditions on Palestinians and building illegal settlements on private Palestinian land in contravention of international laws.

"Relations with the occupier and occupied, the coloniser and colonised, cannot be neutral," Gautam from BDS said.

"And India, under Modi, has become Israel's best friend."</s>Narendra Modi on Saturday became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Palestine after he was received by Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas. He was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at Al-Muqata’a, compound of the presidential headquarters in Palestine’s Ramallah. PM Modi reached Jordan capital Amman on Friday as part of his 4-nation tour to West Asia. His historic visit to Palestine comes weeks after he hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in India. Earlier, PM Modi had said that he was looking forward to discussions with Palestine President and had reaffirmed Indi’s support for the people of Palestine.

In recognition of Narendra Modi’s contribution to relations between India and Palestine, President Abbas conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine on him after the conclusion of the bilateral meeting. The Grand Collar is the highest order given to foreign dignitaries. “The Prime Minister will travel to Palestine via Amman. The Government of India and its leadership are very grateful to the Jordanian authorities and leadership for the wholehearted cooperation being extended for the Prime Minister’s transit,” the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Raveesh Kumar had said on Friday. He also said PM Modi will conclude his tour on February 12.

According to reports, a number of agreements in the fields of health, education, culture and women’s empowerment are likely to be inked between the two nations during PM Modi’s three-hour visit. He is expected to hold talks on strengthening cooperation with Palestine in terms of trade and security. Modi’s visit to Palestine comes at a time amid the heightened tensions in the region after US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Trump’s decision was challenged by the United Nations General Assembly where 128 nations, including India, voted to turn down the move as null and void.</s>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday concluded his historic Palestine visit, the first by any Indian Prime Minister. After arriving in Palestine, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at Al-Muqata’a, compound of the presidential headquarters in Palestine’s Ramallah. Speaking at a media briefing in Ramallah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India and Palestine’s relations have stood the test of time. Palestine has always taken a top spot in our foreign policy. The two nations also exchanged agreements on which India and Palestine will be working mutually for a better cooperation. PM Modi’s visit to Palestine has come after he hosted his friend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in India.

Here are the highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address in Ramallah, Palestine
• This is an honour for India and a symbol of Palestine’s friendship. I thank you on behalf of all Indians for this, said PM Modi on the Grand Collar of the state of Palestine conferred on him
• India and Palestine’s relations have stood the test of time. Palestine has always taken a top spot in our foreign policy
• People of Palestine have continuously shown exemplary courage in extremely tough times, in spite of the fact that there was an unstable environment. The way you moved forward in such a situation is praiseworthy, we appreciate it
• India is aiding construction of an Institute of Diplomacy in Palestine. I am happy that we are moving forward with our developmental corporation forward during this visit
• I am happy to announce that we will double the exchange of students from this year taking it from 50 to 100
• I have assured President Abbas that India is bound by a promise to take care of Palestinian people’s interests. India hopes that soon Palestine will come a free country in a peaceful manner
• We hope for peace and stability in Palestine. We believe a permanent solution is possible with dialogue. Only diplomacy and farsightedness can set free from violence and baggage of the past. We know it is not easy but we need to keep trying as a lot is at stake</s>Ramallah: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently touring West Asia, on Saturday batted for a sovereign and independent Palestine in his maiden visit to the country.

''I have assured President Abbas that India is bound by a promise to take care of Palestinian people's interests. India hopes that soon Palestine will come a free country in a peaceful manner,'' PM Modi said in Ramallah.

During his speech, PM Modi also said that India's hopes for a return of peace in the region as he wrapped up his "historic" visit to Palestine - the first by an Indian Prime Minister.

"We know that it's not easy, but we should keep striving because a lot is at stake," he said.

The two sides also signed agreements worth around USD 50 million that includes setting up of a USD 30 million super speciality hospital after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas received Prime Minister Modi in an official ceremony at the presidential compound, also known as Muqata'a, in Ramallah - the Palestinian seat of government.

On his part, President Abbas acknowledged that the Indian leadership has always stood by peace in Palestine. Abbas said Palestine is always ready to engage in negotiations to achieve its goal of an independent state. He asked India to facilitate the peace process with Israel.

"We rely on India's role as an international voice of great standing and weigh through its historical role in the Non-Aligned Movement and in all international forum and its increasingly growing power on the strategic and economic levels, in a way that is conducive to just and desired peace in our region," said President Abbas.

The two sides signed agreements worth USD 50 million. The agreement includes setting up of a super speciality hospital worth USD 30 million in Beit Sahur and construction of a centre for empowering women worth USD 5 million.

Three agreements in the education sector worth USD 5 million and for procurement of equipment and machinery for the National Printing Press in Ramallah were also signed.

In recognition of his contribution to ties with Palestine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was earlier conferred The Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the highest Palestinian honour for foreign dignitaries, by Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas here on Saturday.

"In a special recognition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's contribution to relations between India and Palestine, President Abbas conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine on him after the conclusion of their bilateral meeting," the MEA tweeted.

The Grand Collar is the highest order given to foreign dignitaries - Kings, Heads of State/Government and persons of similar rank.

"In recognition of his wise leadership and his lofty national and international stature, and in appreciation of his efforts to promote the historic relations between the State of Palestine and the Republic of India," the award commendation reads.

"In acknowledgement of his support to our people's right independence and freedom so that peace prevails in our region," it read further.

Earlier in the day, Modi was presented a Guard of Honour at the Presidential Palace soon after his arrival here from Amman, Jordan, in what is the first ever prime ministerial visit from India to Palestine.

He also laid a wreath at the mausoleum of Yasser Arafat, the Chairman of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation and the first President of the Palestinian Authority.

This was the fourth meeting between Modi and Abbas after those on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in 2015, at the Paris climate summit later that year and during the Palestinian President's visit to India last year.

The visit will reaffirm India's foreign policy position that its relationship with one country is independent of its ties with a third country and will de-hyphenate Israel and Palestine after Modi's standalone visit to Israel in July last year.

Palestine is the first leg of Modi's three-nation tour of West Asia that will also see him going to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman.</s>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said relations between India and Palestine have “stood the test of time.” Prime Minister Modi said, “India and Palestine’s relations have stood the test of time. Palestine has always taken a top spot in our foreign policy.” Praising the Palestine’s efforts to remain united despite an unstable environment by the violent protests, Modi said, “People of Palestine have continuously shown exemplary courage in extremely tough times, in spite of the fact that there was an unstable environment. The way you moved forward in such a situation is praiseworthy, we appreciate it.”

Prime Minister Modi referred to a technology park coming up in Ramallah for which the construction work was currently on. He stated that with the new technology park, Palestinians would have both employment and develop new skills. He also said that a new skill centre and a capacity building corporation would come up to provide jobs to Palestinian youth.

“India is aiding the construction of an Institute of Diplomacy in Palestine. I am happy that we are moving forward with our developmental corporation forward during this visit,” Prime Minister Modi added.

Comparing Indian and Palestinian youth, Prime Minister Modi said, “The opportunities that we give to our youths back in India is almost the same here. Palestinian youths are just like us. If we nurture their skills properly, we can achieve pragati (development), samrudhi (prosperity) and atmanirbharta (self-employment),” he continued.

The Prime Minister also announced the doubling of exchange of students from 50 to 100 from this year. He also thanked Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for making his visit successful.

Commenting on the political situation in Palestine, Modi said, “We hope for peace and stability in the Palestine, we believe a permanent solution is possible with dialogue. Only diplomacy and farsightedness can set us free from violence and the baggage of the past. We know it is not easy but we need to keep trying as a lot is at stake.”

“I have assured President Abbas that India is bound by a promise to take care of the Palestinian peoples’ interests. India hopes that soon Palestine will become a free country in a peaceful manner.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Ramallah on Saturday, escorted by Israeli and Royal Jordanian choppers on a visit that was the first by an Indian Prime Minister after 30 years.

He placed a wreath at the mausoleum of late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat in Ramallah and also signed the visitors book at the museum.

He was given a ceremonial guard of honour at Al-Muqata’a, the presidential compound in Ramallah. He met with Abbas and was conferred with the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the country’s highest honour.

After he concludes his visit to the Palestine, Prime Minister Modi, will depart for the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman from where he will emplane for Abu Dhabi.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the Palestine comes after Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited India last month. (ANI)</s>In a major departure from the past, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India hoped for “an early realisation of a sovereign and independent state of Palestine”, dropping any mention of a “united” and “viable” Palestine. He also did not mention East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine, nor did he spell out “the two-state solution” — a departure he had made earlier, in May last year.

His carefully calibrated omission of a “united” and “viable” Palestine will be perceived as a radical change in India’s position, maintained for several decades. This was the first ever visit by an Indian prime minister to Palestine, and Modi and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas were seen embracing each other several times on Saturday. However, unlike his standalone bilateral visit to Israel, when there was a joint statement, there was no joint statement with Palestine, signalling lack of convergence on key issues.

Also read | Today, PM Modi meets Oman’s Sultan who once studied in India

With Abbas listening in by his side at the Al Muqataa — the Palestinian presidential headquarters — Modi said: “I have once again reassured President Abbas that India is committed to upholding the interests of the Palestinian people. India hopes for an early realisation of a sovereign, independent state of Palestine, living in an environment of peace.”

In May last year, when Abbas visited Delhi, Modi had said, “We hope to see the realisation of a sovereign, independent, united and viable Palestine, co-existing peacefully with Israel.” Similar formulation was used by then President Pranab Mukherjee in October 2015 and then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in September 2012.

Explained | De-hyphenating Israel, Palestine: why India must handle fragile equations with care

While “sovereign and independent” Palestine remains India’s position, the notion of a “united Palestine” has come under challenge — internal differences within the Palestinian leadership, Fatah and Hamas have led to a situation where, over the past decade, the Palestinians have been living under two political controls: the internationally recognised PNA headed by Abbas, whose authority is limited to the West Bank, and an increasingly isolated Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.

By dropping the call for a “united Palestine”, Modi is finally reconciling India’s position to the “new ground realities” and the “facts on the ground” — perceived to be a win for the Israeli government.

While Modi did not mention the “two-state solution” — a repeat of the omission in May 2017 — he said, “We believe that ultimately the lasting answer to the Palestinian question lies in dialogue and understanding that finds its path to peaceful coexistence”. The mention of “peaceful co-existence” , however, doesn’t automatically endorse the two-state solution.

Abbas, however, mentioned the “two-state solution” as well as East Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine in his statement. “I would like to reassert our commitment to political action and negotiations as a means of achieving our national goals to freedom and independence, in accordance with the two-state solution, along the lines of 1967 and the internationally legitimate resolutions, so that Palestine and Israel can co-exist in peace and security, provided that East Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Palestine,” he said.

The two leaders discussed US President Donald Trump’s move to officially recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, as was evident from Modi’s statement that they exchanged views on “recent regional and global developments that have a bearing on the peace and security in Palestine and on the peace process.”

Read | PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Palestine: 10 things you should know

“India fervently hopes for peace and stability in this region. The cycle of violence and the burden of history can only be overcome through intensive diplomacy and farsighted vision. We know this is not easy, but we must continue trying, for there is too much at stake,” said Modi, who was conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine — the highest honour given to foreign leaders.

Abbas acknowledged that the Indian leadership has always supported peace in Palestine. He said Palestine is always ready to engage in negotiations to achieve its goal of an independent state.

“We have never rejected negotiations; we have been and are still ready for negotiations,” Abbas said, adding that forming a multilateral international mechanism of many countries is the best way to sponsor negotiations. He asked India to facilitate the peace process with Israel.

“We rely on India’s role as an international voice of great standing and weight, through its historical role in the Non-Aligned Movement and in all international forum, and its increasingly growing power on the strategic and economic levels, in a way that is conducive to just and desired peace in our region,” said Abbas.

While Modi changed India’s position on the political front towards Palestine, he tried to strike the right chords.

First, he invoked India’s historical position to the Palestinian cause. “India and Palestine share a long and steadfast historical association that has withstood the test of time. Our support to the Palestinian cause has been a continuous thread in our foreign policy, unbroken, unwavering,” he said.

And then he recalled PLO leader Yasser Arafat, the first President of the State of Palestine — Modi’s first stop was a visit to Arafat’s memorial and museum. Calling him by the popular name, Abu Ammar, he said, “Arafat was a great leader and the role he has played for the freedom of Palestine. He was also a close friend of the Indian people.”

Praising the people of Palestine for showing “great tenacity and courage in the face of persistent challenges and adversity” and for their “steely resolve”, he said, “What you have done in the face of difficulties is truly admirable.”

The two sides signed agreements worth $50 million, including $30 million for setting up a super speciality hospital in Beit Sahur and $5 million for construction of a centre for empowering women.

Three agreements in the education sector, worth $5 million, and for procurement of equipment and machinery for the National Printing Press in Ramallah were also signed. Modi also announced that the youth exchanges would see an increase from 50 to 100 youths from this year.

“We regard these as building blocks for a vibrant Palestinian state,” he said, adding that the two countries resolved to deepen their engagement with ministerial-level joint commission meeting.

For all the latest India News, download Indian Express App</s>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday became the first Indian Prime Minister to make an official visit to Palestine. He was conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine by President Mahmoud Abbas today, recognising his key contribution to promote relations between India and Palestine. On his felicitation, PM Modi said: “This is an honour for India and a symbol of Palestine’s friendship. I thank you on behalf of all Indians for this.”

PM Modi is on a three-nation trip to the Gulf and West Asia from February 9 to 12. He arrived in Ramallah, Palestine today via Jordan.

Subsequently, both PM Modi and President Abbas exchanged several agreements and issued a joint statement. In his speech, PM Modi said that “India hopes that soon Palestine will become a free country in a peaceful manner”.

“I have assured President Abbas that India is bound by a promise to take care of Palestinian people’s interests. India hopes that soon Palestine will become a free country in a peaceful manner,” said PM Modi, adding that diplomacy was the way forward to achieving regional stability and peace. “We hope for peace and stability in Palestine, we believe a permanent solution is possible with dialogue. Only diplomacy and farsightedness can set free from violence and baggage of the past. We know it is not easy but we need to keep trying as a lot is at stake,” he added. ALSO READ: PM Modi conferred ‘Grand Collar of the State of Palestine’

Highlighting India’s resolve to keep Palestine as a foreign partner, PM Modi said: “India and Palestine’s relations have stood the test of time” and that “Palestine has always taken a top spot in our foreign policy”. PM Modi, who is on his maiden visit to Palestine, exchanged several agreements with the Palestinian government and announced several partnerships in areas like diplomacy, education as well as a promise to “take care” of the interests of the people of Palestine.

PM Modi’s visit to Palestine comes a month after he hosted his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in New Delhi. In that respect, it assumes greater significance. Historically, India had been a supporter of Palestine. However, strategic interests led to India building stronger ties, primarily military ties, with Israel, the country at conflict with Palestine. Also Read: How India’s foreign policy vis-a-vis Palestine evolved

Reasserting India’s position to keep Palestine as a key party in its foreign policy matters, PM Modi said, “India and Palestine’s relations have stood the test of time. Palestine has always taken a top spot in our foreign policy.”

“People of Palestine have continuously shown exemplary courage in extremely tough times, in spite of the fact that there was an unstable environment. The way you moved forward in such a situation is praiseworthy, we appreciate it,” he said.

PM Modi made announcements in his speech highlighting India’s intent to partner in Palestine’s development, educational engagement and regional stability. “India is aiding construction of an Institute of Diplomacy in Palestine. I am happy that we are moving forward with our developmental corporation forward during this visit,” he said, adding, that India will “double the exchange of students from this year taking it from 50 to 100.”

Prior to PM Modi’s address, President Abbas had said: “It is my honour to welcome you as a great guest, on your first historic visit to Palestine which holds, to you personally and to the people of India, sentiments of love and appreciation. Indian leadership has always stood by peace in Palestine.”

Indicating that Palestine would welcome a non-aligned position by India with respect to Israel and Palestine, Abbas said, “We have said and will say we are ready to engage in negotiations. We rely on India’s role as an international force and its role in the non-alignment movement and in the international fora, in a way that is conducive to desired peace in our region.”

“Here I would like to assert our commitment to political action and negotiations as means of achieving our national goals to freedom & independence in accordance with the two states’ relation along the lines of 1967,” he added.

For all the latest India News, download Indian Express App</s>New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday assured Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas that India was bound to take care of the interests of Palestinian people.

"India hopes that soon Palestine will come a free country in a peaceful manner," he said.

"We hope for peace and stability in Palestine, we believe a permanent solution is possible with dialogue. Only diplomacy and farsightedness can set free from violence and baggage of the past. We know it is not easy but we need to keep trying as a lot is at stake," he further said.

PM Modi and President Abbas witnessed exchange of agreements between India and Palestine in Ramallah.

President Abbas welcomed Modi on his historic visit to the country stating that Indian leadership has always stood by peace in Palestine.

Asserting that Palestine was ready for to engage in negotiations with India, Abbas said they rely on India's role as an international force and its role in the non-alignment movement for desired peace in the region.

Abbas asserted his commitment to political action and negotiations as means of achieving their national goals to freedom and independence in accordance with the two states' relation along the lines of 1967.

In response, PM Modi thanked Palestine President Abbas for the Grand Collar of the state of Palestine conferred on him.

"This is an honour for India and a symbol of Palestine's friendship," Modi said.

Modi said India and Palestine's relations have stood the test of time. Palestine has always taken a top spot in our foreign policy, he further said.

Speaking on India's contribution to strengthen the bilateral ties, Modi said India is aiding the construction of an Institute of Diplomacy in Palestine.

He also announced doubling the exchange of students from this year taking it from 50 to 100.

Modi, who is on a three-nation tour reached Palestine on Saturday. Narendra Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to step on Palestinian soil and will spend around three hours in Palestine on this visit that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, has described as "significant".

On Friday, Modi reached Jordan's capital Amman where he met King Abdullah II. He took a chopper ride to Palestine's Ramallah.</s>NEW DELHI: Barely a month after hugging his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to repeat the gesture with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Palestinian city of Ramallah on Saturday.

In July last year, Modi made history by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel. He will also become the first to visit Palestine.

Modi left New Delhi on Friday for Amman, Jordan, from where he will launch his official visit to Palestine, the UAE and Oman. After a courtesy call on King Abdullah II and senior officials in Amman, he will ride a helicopter to Ramallah, the de-facto capital of Palestine on Saturday, since Palestine has no active airports.

He will meet the Palestinian leadership after laying a wreath at the memorial for Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, and attend a luncheon banquet in his honour before returning to Amman in the evening and boarding Air India One to Dubai. The PM is expected to return to New Delhi on Monday late evening.

The visit is likely to see a reiteration of India’s support to the Palestinian cause. Officials said Modi would highlight New Delhi’s assistance to help build Palestinian capacity in the health, information technology, infrastructure and education sectors. New Delhi is funding an India-Palestinian technology park in Ramallah to help develop IT skills and generate employment.

“These standalone visits to Israel and now Palestine are significant because traditionally, all earlier visits by senior Indian leaders over the past few years, and there were many recently, were marked with a customary visit to Ramallah,” said an Indian diplomat. “Usually, these visits are made after apprising both sides.

We briefed and reassured the Palestinian leadership that our growing relationship with Israel would in no way dilute our commitment to the Palestinian cause. In fact, both sides have privately appreciated New Delhi’s ability to quietly act as a go between given its close ties with the leadership in Tel Aviv and Ramallah.”</s>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a three-nation tour in Palestine, UAE and Oman.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-nation tour, will reach Palestine this afternoon, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the west Asian country. PM Modi is scheduled to hold discussions with the country's president and reaffirm India's support for the Palestinian people and the development of Palestine. The Prime Minister has a packed travel plan this weekend with visits to the UAE and Oman, before he returns home on Monday.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Palestine, saying that he backs an independent Palestine state. This event has been labeled as "historic" as it is the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Palestine.