In ‘Modi jacket’ and kurta, Benjamin Netanyahu surprises Narendra Modi at joint dinner

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

Netanyahu wore a stone-coloured Nehru jacket — often referred to as a Modi jacket — paired with a white kurta-style shirt. He completed the look with dark navy trousers and black formal shoes. Sharing the moment on X, Netanyahu wrote that he had “surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire.”

The gesture came amid a day of high-level diplomatic engagements. Earlier, Modi addressed a special plenary session of the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so.

Upon his arrival at the Knesset, Modi was received by Speaker Amir Ohana and accorded a ceremonial welcome. Netanyahu, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid and Speaker Ohana addressed the session before Modi’s speech, expressing bipartisan support for India–Israel relations.

Opening his address, Modi thanked the Speaker for the “special honour” and expressed gratitude for being awarded the Speaker of the Knesset medal, dedicating it to the friendship and democratic values shared by India and Israel.

To mark the occasion, the Knesset building was illuminated in the colours of the Indian national flag — a first for an Indian Prime Minister’s address.

During his speech, Modi highlighted the historical and strategic ties between the two nations, citing cooperation in technology, innovation, defence and security. Referring to security challenges, he reiterated both countries’ “zero tolerance” stance on terrorism, offered condolences for the October 7 attack, and said there can be no justification for terrorism.

He also reaffirmed India’s support for peace efforts in Gaza and noted that the proposed India–Israel free trade agreement could significantly boost bilateral trade.

This visit marks Modi’s second trip to Israel in nine years. During his 2017 visit, the two countries elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership.