In a display of camaraderie, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enveloped Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in a bear hug upon his arrival at Ben Gurion Airport for a crucial two-day visit. This is Modi’s return to Israel after nine years, last seen in July 2017, and Netanyahu’s wife Sara joined in the red-carpet welcome complete with a guard of honor.
The Israeli PM wasted no time posting a video on X: ‘Welcome, my friend PM Narendra Modi.’ Subsequent posts detailed the itinerary, branding the tour historic. Modi breaks new ground by speaking to the Knesset, followed by interactions with the Indian community and a tech showcase.
Evening plans include a grand reception and dinner at the King David Hotel. Thursday opens with a poignant visit to Yad Vashem, then bilateral talks where key agreements will be inked and announced publicly. Departure is slated for early afternoon.
Whispers of arms deals, particularly drones and missile defenses, hang in the air, building on prior statements from Netanyahu. The Jerusalem Post marked the event with a special edition front page blending ‘Namaste’ and ‘Shalom,’ evoking greetings of peace.
This visit isn’t just diplomatic nicety; it’s a powerhouse of strategic alignment. India and Israel, both navigating complex security landscapes, stand to gain from deepened defense and innovation exchanges. Modi’s agenda reflects a maturing partnership poised for exponential growth.