'I Visited Palestine on Jordan's Chopper and Israeli Jets Escorted My Trip': PM Modi

In a recent interview, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared intriguing details about his historic visit to Palestine in 2018, highlighting the unique logistical and diplomatic arrangements that marked the trip. 

"When I was visiting Palestine via Jordan, Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein had called me and said he would be providing his helicopter to reach Ramallah. Interestingly, at least six fighter jets of the Israel Air Force had escorted by choppers," PM Modi said. 

This statement encapsulates the delicate balance and strategic cooperation involved in Modi's visit, reflecting the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics.

Prime Minister Modi's journey to Palestine was not just a routine diplomatic visit; it was a carefully orchestrated event that took into account the intricate political landscape of the region. 

In the interview, Modi explained how officials were initially concerned that visiting Israel without also visiting Palestine could send a negative message to both nations. 

"In my earlier days of Prime Ministership, people advised me to visit Israel and Palestine simultaneously in order to keep a balanced approach in foreign policy," he said, underscoring the importance of maintaining a neutral stance in India's foreign policy towards Israel and Palestine.

The decision to travel directly to Ramallah via a Jordanian helicopter, escorted by Israeli fighter jets, was unprecedented. 

It underscored the cooperation between Jordan and Israel in facilitating Modi's visit, despite the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine. 

The journey was described as "history in the making" by Raveesh Kumar, the then Foreign Ministry spokesperson, who shared a video of the helicopter en route to Ramallah.

PM Modi's visit to Israel in 2017, where he was warmly received by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was a significant moment in India's diplomatic history. 

Modi was the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel, a move that marked a shift in India's approach to the region. 

Netanyahu's personal involvement in Modi's visit, which included accompanying him throughout his stay, was a gesture typically reserved for high-profile guests like the US president.

However, Modi's subsequent visit to Palestine demonstrated his commitment to balancing India's relationships with both Israel and Palestine. 

He rejected the notion of visiting both nations simultaneously, choosing instead to engage with each on their own terms. 

This approach was a departure from the norm, as previous Indian leaders often visited both countries in a single trip to maintain a semblance of neutrality.

During his visit to Ramallah, Modi was received with great respect, reflecting the strong ties between India and Palestine. 

His direct route to Ramallah via Jordan, with Israeli escorts, highlighted the unique diplomatic maneuvering required to navigate the region's complexities. 

Modi's trip was a testament to his commitment to fostering relationships based on mutual respect and understanding, while also acknowledging the geopolitical realities of the Middle East.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi's visit to Palestine, facilitated by Jordan and escorted by Israeli jets, was a significant moment in India's foreign policy. 

It showcased Modi's diplomatic acumen and his ability to balance India's relationships with both Israel and Palestine. 

This historic visit not only strengthened India's ties with Palestine but also demonstrated India's nuanced approach to international diplomacy.