Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu caught Prime Minister Narendra Modi by surprise on Wednesday when he arrived at their joint dinner dressed in traditional Indian attire in Jerusalem.
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Netanyahu opted for a stone-coloured Nehru jacket widely known as a ‘Modi jacket’, featuring a band collar and a tailored fit. He paired it with a white, long-sleeved kurta-style shirt with a simple collar, dark navy formal trousers, and polished black leather shoes, blending Indian tradition with a touch of formal elegance.
On X, Netanyahu shared a glimpse of PM Modi’s reaction, writing, “Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire.”
Prime Minister Modi later replied to the post, lauding the gesture: “Truly splendid! Your fondness for Indian attire reflects your respect for the rich culture and traditions of our country.”
On his arrival at the Knesset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed ceremonially by Speaker Amir Ohana. Ahead of Modi’s address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, and Speaker Ohana spoke to the Plenary, highlighting strong bipartisan support for India-Israel ties.
Modi began his speech by thanking the Speaker for what he called a “special honour” and expressed gratitude for being awarded the ‘Speaker of The Knesset’ medal, dedicating it to the enduring friendship and shared democratic values of both nations. In a historic gesture, the Knesset building was illuminated in the colours of the Indian flag, the first time this was done for an Indian Prime Minister.
In his 32-minute address, Modi underscored the deep-rooted bonds between India and Israel, referencing both ancient civilisational links and a modern partnership driven by technology, innovation, defence, and security. He recalled the two countries’ “zero tolerance” approach to terrorism, offered condolences for the October 7 terror attack, and stressed that such brutality can never be justified.
PM Modi reaffirmed India’s support for the Gaza Peace initiative, describing it as a path to a “just and durable” peace. He also highlighted the potential of the proposed India-Israel free trade agreement, currently under negotiation, to boost bilateral commerce.