NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed gratitude to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu for extending Diwali greetings, reaffirming the strong bond between the two nations. The exchange of wishes on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted the continued warmth in India–Israel relations, particularly in strategic cooperation and people-to-people ties.
Leaders exchange festive greetings
Responding to Netanyahu’s Diwali wishes, PM Modi posted on X, saying, “Thank you, my dear friend, for your warm Diwali greetings. I also extend my heartiest wishes on your birthday. Wishing you good health and success. May the India–Israel strategic partnership continue to flourish in the years to come.”
Netanyahu, in his earlier post, had written, “Wishing my friend @narendramodi & the people of India a very Happy #Diwali! May the Festival of Lights bring hope, peace & prosperity to your great nation. Israel & India stand together — partners in innovation, friendship, defence and a brighter future.”
Strengthening bilateral ties
The two leaders have often referred to each other as friends, underscoring the growing depth of bilateral relations. India and Israel share strong cooperation in defence, technology, innovation, and agriculture, among other fields. The Diwali greetings exchange comes at a time when both nations are navigating complex global challenges but remain committed to strengthening their strategic and economic engagement.
Under PM Modi’s leadership, India has expanded defence and intelligence cooperation with Israel, while Israeli investments in Indian start-ups and water management technologies have also grown. Netanyahu and Modi have met several times over the years, marking milestones in the partnership, including India’s historic prime ministerial visit to Israel in 2017.
Symbolism of Diwali and message of unity
Diwali, celebrated across India and among the Indian diaspora worldwide, symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. PM Modi’s response to Netanyahu carried both festive warmth and a message of continued collaboration between the two democratic nations.
The mutual exchange of greetings between world leaders during Diwali also highlights India’s cultural and diplomatic influence, as nations acknowledge the festival’s message of peace, positivity and shared prosperity.
India–Israel partnership outlook
Analysts note that the bond between India and Israel continues to deepen beyond traditional defence cooperation, expanding into areas like cybersecurity, agriculture innovation, renewable energy, and water technology.
Diplomatic observers also point out that such exchanges of goodwill help maintain positive momentum in bilateral relations, especially amid regional tensions in the Middle East and global geopolitical shifts.
PM Modi’s message, while festive, reaffirmed India’s strategic intent — building partnerships based on mutual trust, innovation, and shared democratic values.