Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added a personal touch to official proceedings during a joint press statement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jerusalem, recalling an early memory connected to India. Netanyahu said he felt a “great personal debt” to India, sharing that one of his earliest dates with his wife, Sara Netanyahu, took place at an Indian restaurant in Tel Aviv. The anecdote drew attention to the cultural connections between the two countries alongside the formal diplomatic discussions underway.
Speaking candidly, Netanyahu recounted that his first or second outing with Sara was at an Indian restaurant run by restaurateur Reena Pushkarna. He described the experience as memorable, praising the food as “unbelievable” and noting that it was Sara’s first introduction to Indian cuisine. He remarked that the occasion became a special memory not only because of the meal but also because the date itself turned out to be significant in his personal life.
During the address, Netanyahu also complimented India’s administrative efficiency, expressing admiration for what he described as the ability of Indian leadership to achieve substantial outcomes with limited representation. Referring to the ongoing cooperation between the two countries, he emphasised the strong alignment between India and Israel, describing their relationship as a meeting of both “minds and hearts.” He said this growing partnership would be further strengthened through an upcoming government-to-government (G2G) meeting planned to take place in India.
The Israeli Prime Minister confirmed that Israel intends to send a delegation of senior ministers to India once arrangements for the G2G engagement are finalised. He suggested that such high-level institutional cooperation would significantly expand the benefits both countries derive from their strategic partnership, particularly in areas of innovation, governance, and economic collaboration.
Looking toward future cooperation, Netanyahu highlighted the role of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, in transforming sectors such as education. He noted that advances in AI-driven software could help reach individual students more effectively and unlock their potential through personalised learning tools, pointing to technology as a key area of collaboration between the two nations.
Describing Modi’s two-day visit as brief but highly impactful, Netanyahu said the engagement had been both productive and emotionally significant. He praised Modi’s address at the Knesset, stating that it resonated deeply with audiences in Israel and left a strong impression across the country. According to Netanyahu, the visit allowed both nations not only to strengthen diplomatic ties but also to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation across strategic, technological, and cultural domains. Prime Minister Modi arrived in Israel on December 25, marking his second visit to the country since taking office.
