Agra, January 16: The iconic Taj Mahal in Agra has been closed for general public by the Agra administration on Tuesday on account of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visit. The Israeli PM will be visiting the historic monument with his wife Sara Netanyahu on Tuesday, a day after New Delhi and Tel Aviv signed nine pacts to boost bilateral ties in strategic areas. Netanyahu is scheduled to return to New Delhi later in the day and leave for Ahmedabad. Netanyahu will arrive in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Reports state that a notice for Taj’s closure for public viewing from 10:20 AM to 12:30 OM on Tuesday, was issued by Superintending Archaeologist for Agra circle of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Dr. Bhuvan Vikram. Even the ticket windows were shut down an hour ahead of the Israeli PM’s visit.

Benjamin Netanyahu and wife Sara were received in Agra by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Later in the day, the Israeli PM is also expected to take part in the third edition of the geo-political conference, ‘Raisina Dialogue’.  Adityanath’s meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister assumes importance ahead of the two-day UP investors’ summit in Lucknow from February 21.

The Israeli Prime Minister arrived in India on Sunday on a six-day visit. He was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival. As per reports, both the nation heads met after almost six months. Security has been beefed in Agra to ensure that sufficient security arrangements are put in place.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 16, 2018 12:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).