Excitement ripples through Jerusalem’s Indian community as PM Narendra Modi touches down in Israel for a crucial two-day visit. Expats are hailing it as a historic milestone, buzzing with pride over the deepening friendship between the two nations.
‘We’ve been waiting for this for so long,’ gushed one expatriate, a construction worker who’s been in Israel for 12 years. He reminisced about the 2017 visit when Modi addressed the Knesset, an event that left an indelible mark. Today, many are volunteering for reception duties, their enthusiasm palpable.
The sentiment is universal. Another resident emphasized the visit’s significance for India’s vast population. ‘It’s a big deal for 1.4 billion people,’ she said, hoping it leads to stronger economic and security ties. Indians in Israel, numbering in the thousands, contribute significantly in caregiving, farming, and building sectors, yet face hurdles like work permits and fair wages.
Optimism runs high that Modi’s talks will spotlight these issues. On the Israeli side, President Isaac Herzog expressed delight, noting the nation’s keenness to host the Indian leader. Arrival ceremonies at Ben Gurion were grand: PM Netanyahu, accompanied by Sara, offered a ceremonial welcome complete with honors.
Netanyahu posted a heartfelt clip online: ‘Welcome, my friend PM Narendra Modi.’ This journey marks Modi’s return after 2017, amid a packed agenda of innovation hubs, defense pacts, and people-to-people connections.
As banners flutter and gatherings swell, the Indian diaspora sees this as a catalyst for progress. Expect announcements on trade boosts, tech transfers, and migrant support—outcomes that could redefine opportunities for Indians abroad.