Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Ahmedabad airport on Wednesday morning and the leaders proceeded in a roadshow toward the Sabarmati Ashram, with crowds thronging both sides of the road.

As the cavalcade with the two Prime Ministers proceeded, crowds waved Indian and Israeli flags. Over 50 stages have been set up along the route of the cavalcade for cultural displays and performances.

This is Modi's first visit to his home state after last year's assembly elections where the BJP barely managed to retain power.

The cavalcade's 14km-long route is heavily guarded by security forces, including Israeli snipers.

The two leaders will be in Gujarat for the day, during which they will visit an entrepreneurial centre and a horticultural centre.