Israel FM Sa'ar wishes India on Yoga Day, calls it a force for global harmony
Synopsis
Israel's Foreign Minister took to X to greet India on Yoga Day, calling yoga a force that 'brings people and nations closer together' — a diplomatic signal as much as a wellness message. With Ambassador Reuven Azar performing asanas on camera and Norway's envoy joining in, the 12th International Day of Yoga has become one of India's most effective soft-power stages.
Key Takeaways
Israel FM Gideon Sa'ar posted Yoga Day greetings to EAM S.
Jaishankar and India on 21 June , calling yoga a promoter of harmony and resilience.
Israel Ambassador Reuven Azar and embassy staff performed yoga and shared a video on X.
EAM Jaishankar performed yoga with the Diplomatic Corps in New Delhi , citing PM Modi's call to make yoga part of daily life.
Norway's Ambassador May Elin-Stener also posted a video message greeting India on Yoga Day.
The 12th International Day of Yoga theme is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' , as designated by the United Nations .
Israel Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on Sunday, 21 June extended warm greetings to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the people of India on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga, describing yoga as a practice that promotes harmony, well-being, and resilience among people and nations.
Sa'ar's message on X
In a post on X, Sa'ar wrote: 'Warm greetings to FM Dr S Jaishankar and the people of India on International Yoga Day. Originating in India and embraced across the world, yoga promotes harmony, well-being, and resilience - values that bring people and nations closer together. Wishing our Indian friends a meaningful celebration.' The message underscored the diplomatic warmth between Israel and India at a moment when bilateral ties span defence, technology, and cultural exchange.
Israel Embassy joins the celebration
Earlier in the day, the Israel Embassy in India shared a video on X showing Ambassador Reuven Azar and other embassy officials performing yoga. The embassy captioned the video with a light-hearted note: 'Happy International Yoga Day! Some of us came for yoga. Some came for the treats. Either way, everyone found their balance.' The clip was widely shared and reflected a broader trend of diplomatic missions in India marking the day with participatory events.
Jaishankar leads yoga with the Diplomatic Corps
EAM Jaishankar performed yoga in New Delhi alongside members of the Diplomatic Corps on Sunday. In his own post on X, he noted: 'Joined the Diplomatic Corps at New Delhi to celebrate the International Day of Yoga. As PM Narendra Modi highlighted, we must strive to make yoga a part of our lives, part of our families, and a part of our coming generations.' Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also participated in the event.
Global diplomatic voices mark the day
Norway's Ambassador to India, May Elin-Stener, posted a video message on X extending greetings: 'Happy Yoga Day from Norway to India. This is a day that celebrates health, well-being and balance. Which is your favourite asana?' She also thanked the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) India and Jaishankar for 'sharing this beautiful gift from India with us today.' The participation of multiple envoys signals how the International Day of Yoga has evolved into a significant soft-power moment for Indian diplomacy.
This year's theme: Yoga for Healthy Ageing
The 12th International Day of Yoga, observed on 21 June 2025, carries the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', as designated by the United Nations (UN). According to the UN, yoga supports balance, flexibility, strength, and mobility, while also aiding mental well-being and stress management — abilities that help people remain active and independent as they grow older. This year's theme broadens yoga's appeal beyond fitness to a public-health framework relevant across age groups.
Point of View
And the Israeli ambassador performing asanas on camera, reflects how deeply India has embedded this narrative in bilateral engagement. What mainstream coverage underplays is the strategic value: every envoy who posts a yoga video is, in effect, endorsing Indian cultural primacy on a global platform. The UN's 'Healthy Ageing' theme also quietly positions yoga within public-health diplomacy — a space India is increasingly contesting alongside its pharmaceutical and vaccine credentials.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Israel FM Gideon Sa'ar say on International Day of Yoga?
Sa'ar posted greetings on X to EAM S. Jaishankar and the people of India, stating that yoga 'promotes harmony, well-being, and resilience — values that bring people and nations closer together.' He wished India a meaningful celebration on the 12th International Day of Yoga.
What is the theme of the 12th International Day of Yoga?
The theme for the 12th International Day of Yoga, observed on 21 June 2025, is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing,' as designated by the United Nations. It highlights yoga's role in supporting balance, flexibility, strength, and mental well-being as people grow older.
How did the Israel Embassy in India mark Yoga Day?
The Israel Embassy in India shared a video on X showing Ambassador Reuven Azar and other officials performing yoga, with a caption noting that 'everyone found their balance.' It was one of several diplomatic missions to participate publicly in the day's events.
What did EAM Jaishankar do on International Day of Yoga?
EAM Jaishankar performed yoga alongside the Diplomatic Corps in New Delhi and posted about it on X, quoting PM Modi's call to make yoga a part of daily life, families, and future generations. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also participated.
Which other countries' diplomats marked International Yoga Day in India?
Norway's Ambassador to India, May Elin-Stener, posted a video message on X greeting India and thanking the MEA and Jaishankar for 'sharing this beautiful gift from India.' Multiple envoys participated in or acknowledged the event alongside the Israeli embassy.
