Benjamin Netanyahu walks with Narendra Modi, as they visit Olga Beach. —AFP

Rendezvous Jerusalem: Modi caps Netanyahu bromance with barefoot beach stroll

The two leaders' exuberance for warming bilateral ties has taken the form of bear hugs and greetings on social media.
Published July 6, 2017

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has capped a historic three-day visit to Israel with a barefoot stroll along the Mediterranean shore with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

The two leaders' exuberance for warming bilateral ties has taken the form of bear hugs, greetings on social media and pledges for increased trade and cooperation.

Modi and Netanyahu on Thursday paid their respects to Indian soldiers killed fighting with the British Army during World War I before taking a spin on the beach in an Israeli-designed mobile desalination buggy.

The two sipped water produced by the machine, served in wine glasses, before wading ankle-deep into the surf.

Israeli agriculture and water technology have been a major draw for Indian investment and the subject of several deals signed during Modi's visit.

Narendra Modi shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting at the King David hotel in Jerusalem. —AP
Narendra Modi shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting at the King David hotel in Jerusalem. —AP

Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu gesture as they talk on Olga Beach in Hadera.. —AFP
Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu gesture as they talk on Olga Beach in Hadera.. —AFP

Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu visit the World War I Indian Army cemetery in the Israeli coastal city of Haifa. —AFP
Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu visit the World War I Indian Army cemetery in the Israeli coastal city of Haifa. —AFP

Modi and Netanyahu talk on Olga Beach in Hadera. —AFP
Modi and Netanyahu talk on Olga Beach in Hadera. —AFP

Benjamin Netanyahu walks with Narendra Modi, as they visit Olga Beach. —AFP
Benjamin Netanyahu walks with Narendra Modi, as they visit Olga Beach. —AFP

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu sign the guest book at the World War I Indian Army cemetery. — AFP
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu sign the guest book at the World War I Indian Army cemetery. — AFP

Modi and Netanyahu en route to Haifa to pay homage to Indian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Haifa in the final months of World War I. —AFP
Modi and Netanyahu en route to Haifa to pay homage to Indian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Haifa in the final months of World War I. —AFP