Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pulled off a stylish surprise during Narendra Modi’s official visit to Israel, appearing in a classic Indian kurta for a private dinner reception. The move left PM Modi pleasantly shocked and highlighted the personal warmth between the two leaders.
Taking to X, Netanyahu shared the fun moment: ‘Surprised my friend PM Modi with traditional Indian clothes before our dinner.’ The post captured the essence of their friendship amid high-level diplomacy.
Earlier at Ben Gurion Airport, Netanyahu and spouse Sara greeted Modi with open arms. Spotting the coordinated saffron outfits on Sara and Modi, Netanyahu joked, ‘Our saffrons are perfectly matching!’ Their shared laughter echoed the easy rapport that defines Indo-Israeli relations.
A landmark of the visit was Modi’s groundbreaking speech to the Knesset, the first by any Indian PM. Standing ovations filled the chamber as the Speaker welcomed him in Hindi. Netanyahu lauded Modi effusively: ‘Narendra, my dear friend, your presence here as Israel’s great ally and a global leader fills me with immense joy.’
He reminisced about past interactions: ‘Last time, we ditched our shoes for the Mediterranean waves. We may not have parted the seas, but we’ve achieved miracles—doubling trade, tripling partnerships, and quadrupling mutual insights.’
From defense collaborations to tech innovations, India-Israel ties have flourished. Netanyahu’s Indian look became the viral highlight, but the real story is the robust alliance poised for future triumphs.