When Narendra Modi visits Israel in July this year, it will be the first time that an Indian Prime Minister will pay an official visit to one of the country’s strongest all-weather allies.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the COP21 UN Climate Change Conference, in Le Bourget, France, in 2015. Amos Ben Gershom/GPO
The ties between India and Israel is known to the world community but New Delhi rarely acknowledges it in a manner akin to other similar relationships because of obvious geopolitical reasons.
Thus Modi’s visit to Israel is expected to not only elevate the already robust relationship to another level but also prove to be a landmark in India’s foreign policy.
As on now, Israel is celebrating the Jewish festival of Passover. Jews celebrate it as the period when Moses delivered them from slavery in Egypt.
A Jewish family celebrating Passover. Barbara Davidson/Los Angeles Times
PM Modi wished Netanyahu on the occasion with the following tweet:
Khag Sameach Khaverim. חג שמח חברים
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 11, 2017
And this is how Netanyahu responded:
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Thank you, my friend, for your kind holiday greeting. The people of Israel eagerly await your historic visit. https://t.co/Is1NmfWiMF
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) April 11, 2017
Note that Netanyahu rarely addresses anyone as “friend”. He last used that term for US President Donald Trump when the latter was elected to power.
Khag Sameach Khaverim. חג שמח חברים
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 11, 2017
That Netanyahu used “friend” to address Modi is a reflection of how people of Israel see India and Indians.
