Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu turned heads with a lighthearted car ride together, capping off Modis landmark address to Israels Knesset parliament. The duo hopped into the same vehicle after Modis speech, heading to a high-tech exhibition that highlighted joint innovations in AI and defense. Photos shared on social media captured the leaders grinning side-by-side, with Netanyahu posting in Hindi: Hum saath aage badh rahe hain – Were moving forward together. This simple gesture underscores the deepening personal rapport between the two nations heads of state.

Modis carplomacy – informal drives with world leaders – has become a hallmark of his global outreach. This Israel ride joins a growing list: from a selfie-filled spin with Russias Vladimir Putin, to a protocol-busting limo jaunt with former US President Barack Obama in 2014, and even a relaxed beach stroll with Netanyahu during Modis first Israel visit in 2017. Experts note these moments create unscripted space for candid talks on everything from security pacts to tech transfers, far from the glare of formal ceremonies. For India-Israel ties, its particularly potent amid shared interests in counter-terrorism and innovation.

Modis February 2026 trip marks his second official visit to Israel, building on 2017s historic groundwork. Netanyahu hailed Modi as a personal friend and praised Indias steadfast support since the October 7 attacks. Key focuses include ramped-up defense deals, agricultural tech, and now AI collaborations, with the car ride symbolizing momentum that could lead to blockbuster agreements. As global tensions simmer, this carplomacy episode shows how personal chemistry fuels real policy wins – a smart play for Indias rising role in Middle East diplomacy. Stay tuned for outcomes from their tech expo discussions.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.