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Modi in Israel: Netanyahu Surprises in Traditional Indian Attire
Modi in Israel: Netanyahu Surprises in Traditional Indian Attire
New Delhi, February 26, 2026: The historic visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel in February 2026 has been marked by more than just high-level strategic pacts; it has become a masterclass in “sartorial diplomacy.” Beyond the formal discussions on defense and technology, the personal camaraderie between the leaders was showcased through a series of viral fashion moments involving Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu.
The “Saffron Sync” at Ben-Gurion Airport
The visit began with a lighthearted moment on the airport tarmac that immediately set a warm tone for the two-day state visit. As PM Modi stepped off the plane, he was greeted by the Netanyahus with their signature “Modi hug.”
Observers and the leaders themselves quickly noticed a striking visual coincidence:
- The Match: PM Modi’s saffron pocket square—paired with his cream-colored kurta and grey patterned jacket—perfectly matched the saffron pantsuit worn by Sara Netanyahu.
- The Exchange: PM Netanyahu playfully gestured toward his wife’s attire and then to Modi’s pocket square, asking, “You see what she wore?”
- The Reaction: PM Modi laughed and responded, “Yes, saffron!”
Sara Netanyahu further charmed the Indian delegation by describing India as a “wonderful country,” while the Israeli PM reinforced the bond by calling Modi a “wonderful leader” and a “brother.”
Netanyahu’s Surprise Indian Attire
The cultural tribute reached a new height later that evening in Jerusalem. Before their joint dinner, PM Benjamin Netanyahu surprised his Indian counterpart by appearing in traditional Indian clothing.
| Feature | Description |
| The Outerwear | A stone-colored Nehru jacket (popularly known as a “Modi jacket”) with a tailored fit and band collar. |
| The Shirt | A white, long-sleeved kurta-style shirt featuring a simple collar. |
| The Reaction | PM Modi called the gesture “Truly splendid!” on social media, noting that it reflected deep respect for India’s traditions. |
Netanyahu shared a video of the reveal on X (formerly Twitter) with a Hindi caption, stating he wanted to surprise his “friend” before their meal. The gesture was seen as a powerful symbol of the “Benjaminarendra” spirit—a term often used to describe the personal chemistry between the two leaders.
Significance of the Symbols
These moments are not merely about fashion; they serve a specific diplomatic purpose:
- Personal Rapport: They humanize complex geopolitical relations, showing a level of comfort and friendship rarely seen between heads of state.
- Cultural Respect: By donning Indian attire, Netanyahu signaled an appreciation for India’s civilizational identity, which resonates deeply with the Indian public.
- Visual Diplomacy: The “saffron sync” provided iconic imagery that trended across social media, reinforcing the narrative of a “Natural Partnership” between the two democracies.
This visit, which also saw PM Modi become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament), will likely be remembered as much for these warm, colorful exchanges as for its strategic outcomes.
