ANI | Tel Aviv, February 25
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on Wednesday for a two-day state visit, receiving a warm and personal welcome from his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, underscoring the growing closeness between the two nations.
Upon his arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, Prime Minister Modi was accorded a special Guard of Honour. Prime Minister Netanyahu, accompanied by his wife Sara Netanyahu, personally received him at the airport, where the two leaders shared a warm hug, reflecting their close personal rapport.
Taking to social media platform X, Netanyahu shared a video of PM Modi’s arrival and wrote, “Welcome to Israel my dear friend @narendramodi,” accompanied by the Indian and Israeli flags and a “Namaste” emoji. In a light-hearted exchange, Netanyahu pointed out the matching colour of PM Modi’s pocket square with Sara Netanyahu’s outfit, to which Modi replied, “Saffron.” Sara Netanyahu described India as a “wonderful country,” while Netanyahu added, “He is a wonderful leader.”
Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar was also present to receive the Prime Minister and later posted a photograph with him, welcoming Modi to Israel. Echoing the sentiment, Israeli Embassy spokesperson Guy Nir described the interaction between the two leaders as “what real friendship looks like.”
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi expressed optimism about the visit, stating, “Landed in Israel. I am extremely honoured to be received by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs. Netanyahu at the airport. I look forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship.”
Ahead of his departure, Modi had described the visit as an opportunity to further deepen the “robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership” between India and Israel, noting the remarkable growth and dynamism in bilateral relations in recent years. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, this marks Modi’s second visit to Israel in nine years.
The visit has generated visible enthusiasm on the ground. Streets in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv were adorned with Indian tricolours, shopfronts displayed welcoming signs, and Hindi conversations echoed through neighbourhoods with a strong Indian diaspora presence. Members of the Indian Jewish community and local residents described the visit as historic, highlighting the deep cultural connections and expanding strategic cooperation between the two countries.
During his stay, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and address the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. He is also expected to engage with the Indian diaspora and hold detailed discussions with Netanyahu aimed at expanding cooperation across sectors such as defence, innovation, science and technology, and agriculture.
Israeli President Herzog, welcoming the visit, said that the State of Israel and its people look forward to receiving Prime Minister Modi, reflecting the mutual respect and shared priorities that continue to strengthen India-Israel ties.
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