Tel Aviv buzzed with excitement as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accompanied by his wife Sara, rolled out the red carpet for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival at Ben Gurion Airport. This two-day state visit marks Modi’s second trip to Israel in nine years, following his landmark 2017 journey that strengthened bilateral ties.
Stepping off the aircraft, Modi was greeted with open arms by Netanyahu, who declared his Indian counterpart a ‘great leader’ looking sharp as ever. The two leaders shared a warm embrace, setting a tone of camaraderie that quickly turned jovial. Pointing to Modi’s pocket square matching Sara Netanyahu’s saffron formal suit, the Israeli PM quipped about the perfect coordination, sparking laughter among the dignitaries.
The light-hearted moment underscored the deep personal friendship between the leaders, often highlighted in diplomatic circles. Netanyahu later shared a clip of the welcome on X, simply stating, ‘Welcoming my friend Narendra Modi to Israel.’
Modi’s packed itinerary includes a historic address to the Knesset, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. He will also engage with the Indian diaspora and tour a technology exhibition, reflecting the robust India-Israel partnership in innovation and defense.
Ahead of his arrival, the Jerusalem Post featured a special front page with Modi’s image, greeting him in Hindi ‘Namaste’ alongside Hebrew ‘Shalom’ – symbols of peace and hello that resonate across cultures. This visit promises to elevate strategic collaborations amid global challenges.