Netanyahu dons traditional Indian attire ahead of joint dinner with PM Modi

Addressing a special session of Israel’s Parliament, PM Modi strongly backed Israel on the issue of terrorism

• Netanyahu surprises Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire
• Modi receives highest Knesset honour during Israel visit
• Modi backs Israel on terrorism, recalls 26/11 Mumbai attacks

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday surprised his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, by donning traditional Indian attire ahead of their joint dinner.

In a post on X, Netanyahu shared, “Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire."

PM Modi is currently on a two-day official visit to Israel, where he was conferred with the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ in recognition of his exceptional contribution to strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel.

Modi is the first leader to receive this medal, which is the highest honour of the Knesset - the Israeli Parliament.

Knesset speaker Amir Ohana presented the award to the Prime Minister following his address at the Israeli Parliament.

“I am deeply honoured to receive the Medal of the Knesset. I accept it with humility and gratitude. This honour is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel. It reflects the shared values that guide our two nations,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.

हमारे संयुक्त रात्रिभोज से पहले, मैंने अपने मित्र प्रधानमंत्री मोदी को पारंपरिक भारतीय परिधान पहनकर चौंका दिया। 🇮🇱🇮🇳@narendramodipic.twitter.com/3ElIQeLY97

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) February 25, 2026

Addressing a special session of Israel’s Parliament, PM Modi strongly backed Israel on the issue of terrorism, strongly condemning the October 7 attack by Hamas in 2023, while also asserting that India stood with Israel with full conviction in this moment and beyond.

“India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens. Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism, with no double standards,” Modi said.

Modi received a standing ovation during his speech. In his speech, PM Modi said there is great admiration for Israel’s resolve, courage, and achievements in India.

He also said that the Free Trade Agreement being negotiated between India and Israel will unlock the vast untapped potential in bilateral trade relationship.

"We are committed to expanding trade, strengthening investment flows, and promoting joint infrastructure development. The Bilateral Investment Treaty signed last year will provide confidence and predictability to our businesses," he said.