Tel Aviv buzzed with warmth on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu surprised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi by donning traditional Indian attire for a special dinner. The light grey Nehru jacket caught everyone’s eye, symbolizing a deep respect for India’s rich heritage.
PM Modi, visibly delighted, took to social media platform X to repost Netanyahu’s video with glowing praise. ‘Truly magnificent. Your love for Indian clothing reflects your admiration for our country’s vibrant culture and traditions,’ he wrote. The gesture underscored the strong personal bond between the two leaders, elevating their diplomatic ties to new heights.
Netanyahu shared a clip where Modi exclaimed, ‘This is an Indian dress!’ The Israeli leader captioned it, ‘Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend PM Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire.’ This light-hearted moment quickly went viral, highlighting the camaraderie.
The visit wasn’t just about fashion; it featured ‘car diplomacy’ with both leaders riding together, a photo of which surfaced online. Modi also received Israel’s highest civilian honor, met with a standing ovation from Knesset members eager for selfies.
In his Knesset address, Netanyahu fondly recalled the ‘Modi Hug.’ ‘When PM Modi hugs you personally, it’s special. It’s called the Modi Hug, famous worldwide. It’s genuine, not showy,’ he said. He emphasized how this warmth represents the bond between 1.5 billion Indians and Israel’s innovative spirit.
This exchange reinforces the strategic partnership, blending culture, friendship, and mutual respect on the global stage.