Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for wearing traditional Indian attire during a dinner engagement, calling it a reflection of respect for India’s rich cultural heritage.

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

Netanyahu welcomed Modi dressed in a light grey Nehru jacket, creating a symbolic and warm moment during the ongoing State Visit. In a video shared on social media, Modi was heard acknowledging the gesture, saying, “It’s an Indian dress.” The two leaders shared a cordial exchange and posed for photographs ahead of the dinner.

Posting in Hindi, Netanyahu described the gesture as a surprise for his “friend Prime Minister Modi,” underscoring the personal rapport between the two leaders.

Strategic talks and defence cooperation

The leaders are scheduled to visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial together before holding expanded bilateral talks at the King David Hotel. Discussions are expected to review the India-Israel Strategic Partnership, with focus on defence, science and technology, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.

Several memoranda of understanding across economic, security and diplomatic sectors are anticipated during the visit. Both sides are also expected to exchange views on key regional and global developments.

A major highlight of the visit is India’s move toward finalising a landmark strategic partnership involving Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system. The proposed arrangement goes beyond direct procurement and aligns with India’s indigenous “Mission Sudarshan Chakra” (Project Kusha), aimed at building a multi-layered air defence network.

Israel has reportedly offered technology transfer under the “Make in India” initiative, enabling local production and integration. India is also exploring cooperation on the Iron Beam laser-based system, designed to counter short-range rockets, drones and aerial threats, complementing long-range platforms such as the S-400.

During the visit, Modi is also scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog, further strengthening high-level diplomatic engagement between the two nations.