Tel Aviv, Feb 26 (NationPress) On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, for donning traditional Indian attire, interpreting it as a gesture of respect towards India's rich cultural legacy.

In response to a post by Netanyahu on X, PM Modi shared the message, stating, "Truly splendid! Your appreciation for Indian clothing showcases your respect for our nation's vibrant culture and traditions."

This exchange occurred after Netanyahu received PM Modi at a dinner event while wearing traditional Indian garments, creating a warm and symbolic moment during the ongoing visit.

Netanyahu greeted PM Modi with a smile while dressed in a light grey Nehru jacket. A video posted by the Israeli Prime Minister on X featured PM Modi acknowledging the gesture with, "It's an Indian dress."

The two leaders engaged in friendly conversation and posed for photographs prior to the dinner.

Netanyahu shared the moment on social media in Hindi, stating, "Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire."

Following this, PM Modi and Netanyahu are set to visit Yad Vashem together before participating in an expanded bilateral meeting at the King David Hotel.

The discussions will likely revolve around a comprehensive review of the India-Israel Strategic Partnership, with a focus on enhancing collaboration in defense, science and technology, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. Additionally, the leaders will discuss pressing regional and global issues.

During the visit, multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering economic, security, and diplomatic areas are anticipated to be signed, aimed at further strengthening cooperation between the two nations. After the signing, both Prime Ministers will hold a joint media briefing to highlight the outcomes of their discussions.

India is progressing towards finalizing a groundbreaking strategic partnership with Israel for the acquisition of Iron Dome technology. This initiative is viewed as integral to India’s indigenous "Mission Sudarshan Chakra," also known as Project Kusha.

Israel has officially proposed transferring Iron Dome technology to India under the "Make in India" initiative, facilitating local production and integration into a multi-layered air defense system designed to counter short-range rockets, mortars, and drone swarms.

In addition to Iron Dome, India is also keenly interested in Israel’s innovative Iron Beam laser-based defense system, recognized as a cost-effective and rapid response solution against low-cost aerial threats. This proposed collaboration aims to protect Indian cities and vital infrastructure with a high-success-rate defense system, complementing long-range platforms like the S-400, with the broader goal of establishing an "impregnable" national security shield by 2030.

During his trip, PM Modi will also meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.