Netanyahu Says He “Owes India” After First Date With Wife at Indian Restaurant in Tel Aviv

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revealed a personal connection to India, saying his relationship with his wife began over a meal at an Indian restaurant — a story he shared while highlighting the close ties between the two countries.

Netanyahu says he “owes India” a personal debt

Speaking at a joint press statement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Netanyahu said he felt a sense of gratitude towards India because of its role in his personal life.

“I owe India a great personal debt. When I met Sara for the first time, I think our first or second date was in an Indian restaurant in Tel Aviv,” he said.

Netanyahu described the experience warmly, noting that his wife Sara was trying Indian food for the first time.

“Sara was introduced to it for the first time, so it was a great first date — not only with the food, the date was excellent too,” he said, adding that the meal itself was “unbelievable”.

The restaurant was run by Reena Pushkarna, an Indian-origin chef and restaurateur known in Israel for introducing authentic Indian cuisine to local diners. Often referred to as Israel’s “Curry Queen”, she has played a significant role in promoting Indian food and culture in the country.

Netanyahu had previously recalled the same occasion during Modi’s visit to Israel in 2017, again praising the quality of the food.

Warm استقبال reflects deepening diplomatic ties

Prime Minister Modi’s two-day official visit to Israel began with a ceremonial welcome in Tel Aviv, where Netanyahu and his wife personally greeted him at the airport and arranged a guard of honour.

The visit reflected the strengthening relationship between India and Israel, particularly in defence cooperation. Both countries agreed to expand their partnership through joint development and production of military equipment, alongside sharing advanced technologies.

Such defence collaboration has become a cornerstone of their modern relationship — similar to how New Zealand works closely with international partners to strengthen its own defence capabilities and regional security.

India reiterates support for Middle East peace

During the joint media appearance, Modi emphasised that India’s national security interests were closely tied to peace and stability in the Middle East.

He said India fully supported efforts to advance peace in Gaza and the wider region, reinforcing New Delhi’s diplomatic position on long-standing regional tensions.

Personal story underscores wider cultural links

Netanyahu’s anecdote about his first date illustrates how cultural exchange — including food and migration — can shape personal relationships as well as diplomatic ones.

While defence and strategic cooperation dominate official discussions, the story highlights the softer connections that underpin relations between nations.

As India and Israel continue to deepen their partnership, the Israeli Prime Minister’s remarks offered a reminder that international ties are often built on both shared interests and personal experiences.