Indian PM on State Visit to Israel, Degel's Executive Director in a Delegation meet with him
- 5 days ago
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(March 2, 2026) The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in India on a highly anticipated two-day state visit to Israel, commencing on the 25th of February 2026. This visit was marked by significant diplomatic importance and was accompanied by a robust delegation comprising 200 members, all traveling aboard a specially designated aircraft that underscored the seriousness and prestige of the occasion. Upon his arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, he was warmly welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu. This reception was not merely a formality; it highlighted the personal bond between the two leaders, which is a reflection of the deep and warm ties that have developed between India and Israel over the years. The primary objective of this visit was to further strengthen bilateral relations across various domains,
including defense, trade, and other peripheral areas, all of which are crucial to both nations. The relationship
has been on a steady upward trajectory since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, evolving significantly in scope and depth. Notably, a major component of the discussions was a substantial defense deal valued at $8.6 billion with Israeli arms industries, which positions Israel as India's second-largest defense supplier, just behind France.
The first day of Prime Minister Modi’s visit was particularly memorable, as it featured a vibrant reception hosted by the Indian Jewish community at the prestigious King David Hotel in Jerusalem. The turnout was overwhelming, exceeding expectations and placing considerable demands on security personnel tasked with managing the event. Among the highlights of the evening was a performance by Dina Samte, a talented B'nei Menashe singer, who welcomed the delegates with a song "I Love my India", a popular contemporary Hindi song that resonated deeply with the attendees. This performance was not only well-received but also left a lasting impression, as Prime Minister Modi later remarked on the significance of her contributions during his subsequent meeting with Isaac Thangjom, the executive director of Degel Menashe. Dina is a member of the renowned Israeli band "Shalva," which has enjoyed considerable success both in Israel and internationally, showcasing the cultural ties that bind the two nations. Following this warm reception, Prime Minister Modi addressed the Knesset where he mentioned the the four Indian Jewish communities, including the B'nei Menashe. He acknowledged their invaluable contributions to both India and
Israel, emphasizing that these communities serve as 'the living bridge' between the two countries. It is noteworthy that this visit marks Modi's second trip to Israel, the first being in July 2017, thereby completing a significant circle in his diplomatic engagements.
The following day, Executive Director Thangjom of Degel Menashe was among the select members of the Indian Jewish community who had the honour of meeting with Prime Minister Modi in a more intimate setting. This meeting took place in a private hall at the historic King David Hotel, following Modi's earlier discussions with Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel, that morning. During this smaller gathering, Thangjom expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the B'nei Menashe community and the broader Indian community for the support and cooperation extended by the Indian government regarding the aliya initiatives being facilitated by the Israeli government. He reassured the Prime Minister of the community's commitment to continue working diligently towards enhancing and strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Israel. This meeting not only reinforced the existing bonds but also set the stage for future collaborations that are expected to benefit both nations.
