Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday shared a deeply personal anecdote while addressing the media alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he owes India “a great personal debt” because of a special memory tied to the early days of his relationship with wife Sara Netanyahu. Speaking at a joint press statement, Netanyahu recalled that one of their first dates took place at an Indian restaurant in Tel Aviv, a moment he said remained close to his heart even decades later.

Elaborating on the memory, Netanyahu said Sara was being introduced to Indian cuisine for the first time during that outing. He described the food as “unbelievable” and said the evening turned out to be memorable not only because of the flavours and hospitality but also because it marked an important step in their personal journey together. With a smile, he remarked that it was a “great first date", adding that while the food was exceptional, the date itself was even better.

The anecdote brought a lighter tone to the formal diplomatic engagement, drawing attention from those present and highlighting the human side of high-level political interactions. Such personal reflections are relatively rare during official statements, and Netanyahu’s comment stood out for blending nostalgia with diplomacy. Observers noted that it subtly reinforced the cultural familiarity and warmth that have grown between India and Israel over the years.

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The reference also underscored the broader people-to-people connections between the two countries. Indian cuisine has long enjoyed popularity in Israel, particularly in Tel Aviv, where several Indian restaurants cater to locals and tourists alike. Netanyahu’s recollection reflected how cultural exchanges — through food, travel and shared experiences — often precede and strengthen formal diplomatic ties.

His remarks came at a time when India and Israel continue to expand cooperation across key sectors such as defence, innovation, agriculture, water management and trade. By invoking a personal memory connected to India, Netanyahu added a symbolic layer to the bilateral relationship, suggesting that beyond strategic and economic partnerships, there exists a genuine sense of familiarity and goodwill between the two nations.

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