Mumbai: Israel has announced plans to install a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the country amid growing cultural ties between New Delhi and Tel Aviv. The announcement was made by Israel's Consul General in Mumbai, Yaniv Revach, last week on the occasion of Shiv Rajyabhishek Din.

Revach said the project will connect Indians with Israelis. "We understand exactly what the influence is and how important Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is to India. The idea is to build a big statue of the Maharaj and send it to Israel. It's going to be a project for the long run. We plan to bring it to one of the big cities in Israel," he told ANI. Revach said Israel has sought cooperation from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding historical references, artistic consultation, and design considerations, and "he immediately agreed to provide it."

In a letter to Fadnavis, the Israeli diplomat said: "We believe that a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Israel would serve as a powerful symbol of the close ties between Israel and India. Such a monument would be especially meaningful given the historical links between Maharashtra and the Indian Jewish community, many of whose descendants today contribute significantly to Israeli society."

Fadnavis extended his full support for the initiative, posting on X: "This is huge news! On the auspicious occasion of Shiv Rajyabhishek Din, heartfelt thanks to Israel CG Yaniv Revach for this historic announcement of installing a grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Israel. The Maharashtra government will extend complete support for this historic initiative. Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji!"

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