Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday, 13 September 2026, publicly declared that India is a true friend of Israel, responding warmly to Rosh Hashanah greetings extended by President Droupadi Murmu on behalf of the people of India. The exchange, conducted over social media platform X, underscored the continued diplomatic warmth between New Delhi and Jerusalem ahead of the Jewish New Year.

Herzog's Response to Murmu

In his message on X, President Herzog said: 'Thank you, President Droupadi Murmu, for your good wishes. On behalf of the people of Israel, I extend our deepest gratitude. India is a true friend of Israel. As we begin the Jewish New Year, I wish you and the wonderful people of India peace, prosperity, good health, and harmony. May the deep bond of friendship between our two nations continue to flourish.'

President Murmu had on Saturday conveyed her greetings through the President's Secretariat on X, saying: 'Excellency Isaac Herzog, on behalf of the people of India, I convey heartfelt Rosh Hashanah greetings to you and the Jewish community across Israel and the world. May the new year usher in peace, prosperity, good health and renewed hope for all.'

Modi and Jaishankar Also Extend Wishes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi separately conveyed greetings to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the people of Israel on X. 'Shana Tova! Wishing a very happy Rosh Hashanah to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the people of Israel and Jewish communities across the globe. May the new year be filled with peace, hope, good health and continued progress for all,' Modi wrote.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also extended wishes to his Israeli counterpart, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, writing on X: 'On the occasion of Rosh Hashanah, extend warm wishes to Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, the Government and people of Israel. May the New Year bring peace, prosperity, good health and happiness for all. Shana Tova!'

What Is Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, observed as the 'head of the year' and commemorating the anniversary of the creation of the world. It is among the most significant occasions in the Jewish calendar, marked globally by Jewish communities.

Significance for India-Israel Ties

The coordinated outreach — spanning the President, Prime Minister, and External Affairs Minister — reflects an institutionalised diplomatic rhythm between the two nations. India and Israel established full diplomatic relations in 1992 and have deepened cooperation across defence, agriculture, water management, and technology in the decades since. This comes amid ongoing international attention on Israel's regional security situation, making public affirmations of friendship from a major democratic partner like India diplomatically notable. The warmth on display signals that bilateral ties remain insulated from broader geopolitical turbulence.