In a delightful display of camaraderie during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu turned heads by donning traditional Indian attire for a special dinner hosted in Modi’s honor. The unexpected gesture, shared by Netanyahu himself on social media platform X, caught everyone off guard, including Modi.
Netanyahu posted: ‘Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire.’ The image of the Israeli leader in the vibrant outfit quickly went viral, symbolizing the deepening bond between the two nations.
The visit kicked off with a warm airport welcome from Netanyahu and his wife Sara. As Sara shook hands with Modi, Netanyahu couldn’t help but notice their matching saffron hues. Grinning widely, he quipped, ‘Look, my wife’s saffron matches yours perfectly.’ The trio burst into laughter, setting a light-hearted tone for the trip.
Modi made history by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Knesset. The parliament echoed with applause as lawmakers stood to honor him, with the Speaker extending greetings in Hindi. Netanyahu, visibly moved, praised Modi as a ‘great friend of Israel, champion of the India-Israel alliance, and a great leader on the world stage.’
Reflecting on their shared moments, Netanyahu recalled a previous visit where they walked barefoot along the Mediterranean coast. ‘We didn’t walk on water, but since then, we’ve doubled our trade, tripled our cooperation, and quadrupled our understanding,’ he said, underscoring the remarkable progress in bilateral ties.
This visit reinforces the strategic partnership between India and Israel, built on mutual respect, innovation, and shared values. As Modi departed, the memorable moments lingered, promising even stronger collaboration ahead.