Jerusalem: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day official visit to Israel, where he was warmly welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu.
The visit marks another significant milestone in strengthening India-Israel strategic relations.
Warm Welcome at Airport
At Ben Gurion Airport, PM Netanyahu and Sara Netanyahu personally received PM Modi. During the greeting, Netanyahu noticed that both Sara and PM Modi were dressed in saffron shades and humorously remarked, “Look, my wife’s saffron and your saffron are matching.” The light-hearted moment drew smiles from all three leaders.
Netanyahu Shares Dinner Update on X
Later, PM Netanyahu hosted an official dinner in honour of PM Modi. Sharing details on the social media platform X, Netanyahu wrote, “Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire.”
The gesture was widely seen as a reflection of the close personal rapport between the two leaders.
Historic Address at the Knesset
During the visit, PM Modi addressed Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so.
The Israeli Parliament echoed with applause as members gave him a standing ovation, and the Speaker welcomed him in Hindi.
‘More Than a Friend, Like a Brother’: Netanyahu
While addressing the Knesset, PM Netanyahu expressed deep admiration for PM Modi.
“I want to tell you, Narendra, my dear friend, I am so very happy that you are here today,” Netanyahu said. He described Modi as a great friend of Israel, a champion of the India-Israel alliance, and a strong global leader.
He added, “I would almost dare to say that you are more than a friend — you are like a brother.”
Recalling PM Modi’s previous visit, Netanyahu mentioned their walk along the Mediterranean coast and remarked that since then, “We have doubled our trade, tripled our cooperation, and quadrupled our understanding.”
Strengthening India-Israel Ties
PM Modi’s visit has focused on enhancing cooperation in defence, technology, innovation, trade, and strategic partnerships.
With symbolic gestures, historic parliamentary milestones, and strong personal diplomacy, the visit reinforces the growing India-Israel relationship on both political and economic fronts.
