In a symbolic cultural gesture, Benjamin Netanyahu surprised Narendra Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire ahead of their joint dinner in Jerusalem on Wednesday.

Sharing the moment on X, Netanyahu wrote that he chose to wear Indian attire to surprise his “friend Prime Minister Modi” before their dinner engagement. The gesture was widely seen as a reflection of the warmth and personal rapport between the two leaders, as well as the growing strength of bilateral ties.

The moment came during PM Modi’s official engagements in Jerusalem, where he also delivered a historic address at the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to speak in the Israeli Parliament.

Ceremonial Welcome at the Knesset

Upon his arrival at the Knesset, PM Modi was received by Speaker Amir Ohana and accorded a ceremonial welcome. Ahead of his address, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, and Speaker Ohana addressed the Special Plenary session, expressing strong bipartisan support for strengthening India-Israel relations.

During his speech, PM Modi thanked the Speaker for the honour and expressed gratitude for being conferred the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal,’ the Parliament’s highest award. He dedicated the medal to the enduring friendship and shared democratic values of India and Israel.

Strategic and Civilisational Partnership

Highlighting the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, PM Modi emphasised that India and Israel share ancient civilisational links alongside a robust modern partnership built on cooperation in technology, innovation, defence, security, and strategic convergence.

He also pointed to collaboration in agriculture, rural development, water management, sustainability, and enterprise, noting that these partnerships have strengthened vibrant people-to-people connections.

Referring to historical connections and the movement of communities between the two nations, he acknowledged the contributions of the Indian community in Israel and the Jewish diaspora in India to the development of both societies.

Reaffirming a shared zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, PM Modi conveyed condolences for the October 7 terror attack and stated that such acts of brutality cannot be justified. He reiterated India’s support for initiatives aimed at ensuring durable peace and long-term stability in the region.