Truly splendid: PM Modi as Netanyahu welcomes him in traditional Indian attire

In Tel Aviv, Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Narendra Modi wearing traditional Indian attire, highlighting warm India-Israel ties. Leaders discussed defence, technology and trade cooperation, including Iron Dome collaboration, during Modi’s state visit marked by his Knesset address and diplomatic engagements

Tel Aviv: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu for his gesture of wearing traditional Indian attire, describing it as a mark of respect for India’s cultural heritage.

Responding to Netanyahu’s post on X, PM Modi reposted the message and wrote, “Truly splendid! Your fondness for Indian attire reflects your respect for the rich culture and traditions of our country.”

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The exchange came after Netanyahu welcomed the Indian Prime Minister to a dinner engagement dressed in traditional Indian clothing, creating a symbolic and warm moment during the ongoing visit. Netanyahu was seen dressed in a light grey Nehru jacket as he greeted PM Modi with a smile.

In a video shared by the Israeli Prime Minister on X, PM Modi was heard remarking, “It’s an Indian dress,” acknowledging the gesture. The two leaders shared a cordial exchange and posed together for photographs ahead of the dinner.

Sharing the moment on social media in Hindi, Netanyahu wrote, “Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to visit Yad Vashem together on Thursday before holding an expanded bilateral meeting at the King David Hotel.

The discussions are expected to focus on a comprehensive review of the India-Israel Strategic Partnership, with emphasis on strengthening collaboration in defence, science and technology, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.

The two leaders will also exchange views on pressing regional and global developments. Several MoUs spanning economic, security and diplomatic domains are set to be signed during the visit, aimed at further enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

Following the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu will deliver joint statements to the media outlining the outcomes of their talks. India is currently moving towards finalising what is being described as a landmark strategic partnership with Israel to acquire Iron Dome technology.

The proposed arrangement goes beyond a straightforward procurement and is envisaged as a core element of India’s indigenous “Mission Sudarshan Chakra”, also known as Project Kusha. Israel has formally offered to transfer the Iron Dome technology to India under the “Make in India” initiative, enabling local production and integration into a multi-layered air defence system designed to counter short-range rockets, mortars and drone swarms.

Alongside Iron Dome, India is also showing strong interest in Israel’s newer Iron Beam laser-based system, which is seen as a cost-effective, “light-speed” solution against low-cost aerial threats.

The proposed collaboration seeks to safeguard Indian cities and key infrastructure through a high-success-rate shield that would complement long-range platforms such as the S-400, with the broader objective of creating an “impregnable” national security canopy by 2030. During his visit, PM Modi is also scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog.