Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday surprised his Indian counterpart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, by wearing traditional Indian attire ahead of their joint dinner. In a post on X, PM Netanyahu wrote, "Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire."
Earlier in the day, a small yet striking detail drew attention as the leaders interacted with each other. PM Netanyahu pointed to the matching colour of the pocket square of Prime Minister Modi and the outfit of the First Lady Sara Netanyahu. "That's saffron," PM Modi said with a smile.
(Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu points to matching colour of his wife Sara Netanyahu’s outfit and PM Modi's pocket square (Photo/ANI)
PM Modi was seen wearing a traditional Indian attire consisting of a cream-coloured kurta with white churidar. He layered a neatly tailored grey, patterned half-jacket along with the saffron pocket square. Sara Netanyahu chose a saffron pantsuit. During their interaction with PM Modi, speaking about India, Sara Netanyahu said, "wonderful country." PM Netanyahu joined in and said, "He (PM Modi) is a wonderful leader".
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PM Modi was seen wearing a traditional Indian attire consisting of a cream-coloured kurta with white churidar. He layered a neatly tailored grey, patterned half-jacket along with the saffron pocket square. Sara Netanyahu chose a saffron pantsuit. During their interaction with PM Modi, speaking about India, Sara Netanyahu said, "wonderful country." PM Netanyahu joined in and said, "He (PM Modi) is a wonderful leader".
Earlier today, PM Modi addressed a Special Plenary of the Knesset in Jerusalem. He is the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli parliament. Upon his arrival at the Knesset, the Prime Minister was received by the Speaker of the Knesset, Amir Ohana and accorded a ceremonial welcome.
Israel PM Netanyahu, Leader of Opposition Yair Lapid and Speaker Ohana spoke in the Plenary ahead of the Prime Minister's address, expressing strong bipartisan support for India-Israel ties.
PM Modi began his address by thanking the Speaker for the special honour. He expressed gratitude for being bestowed with the 'Speaker of the Knesset' medal, which he dedicated to the enduring friendship and shared democratic traditions of the two countries.
Highlighting the strong bonds of friendship between India and Israel, the Prime Minister noted that the two peoples share both ancient civilizational ties and a robust contemporary partnership based on technology, innovation, defence, security and strategic convergences.
He stated that the vibrant people-to-people ties based on cooperation in agriculture, rural development, water management, sustainability and enterprise have imparted a dynamic outlook to the relationship.
(With inputs from agency)
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