Netanyahu Surprises Modi In Traditional Indian Garb At Jerusalem Dinner
Jerusalem: In a gesture of cultural camaraderie, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu caught Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi off guard by appearing in classic Indian clothing before their shared meal in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
Netanyahu selected a subtle stone-hued Nehru jacket often referred to as a Modi jacket complete with a band collar and precise tailoring. He matched it with a crisp white kurta-inspired shirt boasting a straightforward collar, along with deep navy trousers and sleek black leather shoes.
On the social media platform X, Netanyahu posted images capturing Modi’s response. “Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire,” he captioned.
हमारे संयुक्त रात्रिभोज से पहले, मैंने अपने मित्र प्रधानमंत्री मोदी को पारंपरिक भारतीय परिधान पहनकर चौंका दिया। 🇮🇱🇮🇳@narendramodi pic.twitter.com/3ElIQeLY97
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) February 25, 2026
The moment unfolded amid a day of significant diplomatic activities. Earlier, Modi delivered a speech at a Special Plenary session of the Knesset, marking him as the inaugural Indian leader to address Israel’s parliament.
Upon reaching the Knesset, Modi was greeted by Speaker Amir Ohana and given a formal reception. Prior to his remarks, Netanyahu, opposition leader Yair Lapid, and Speaker Ohana spoke, emphasizing robust cross-party backing for India-Israel relations.
Modi opened his address by expressing appreciation for the “special honour” from the Speaker. He also acknowledged receiving the ‘Speaker of The Knesset’ medal, which he dedicated to the lasting camaraderie and common democratic values between the two countries.
To commemorate the event, the Knesset was lit up in the hues of India’s national flag—a historic first for an Indian premier’s speech.
During his 32-minute presentation, Modi underscored the profound connections between the nations, from historical civilizational ties to contemporary collaborations in technology, innovation, defense, and security.
On security matters, the Prime Minister highlighted the shared “zero tolerance” stance against terrorism. He extended sympathies for the October 7 terror incident and affirmed that such violence has no excuse.
Modi also reiterated India’s endorsement of the Gaza Peace initiative, viewing it as a pathway to a “just and durable” resolution.
He pointed out that the ongoing talks for an India-Israel free trade agreement could open up substantial opportunities in mutual commerce.
This trip represents Modi’s second to Israel within nine years. In 2017, during his visit to Tel Aviv, the two nations advanced their ties to a “strategic partnership.”