Amidst the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and the global Jewish community on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah, wishing for peace and prosperity.

  • PM Narendra Modi wished PM Benjamin Netanyahu and the Jewish community a Happy Rosh Hashanah.
  • The greeting was issued during the ongoing 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
  • The message emphasized peace, hope, and continued progress for the new year.

In a significant diplomatic gesture during the 18th BRICS Summit being hosted in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered his counterpart from Israel. PM Modi extended his heartfelt wishes to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the people of Israel, and Jewish communities worldwide on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Taking to social media, PM Modi wrote, "Shana Tova! Wishing a very happy Rosh Hashanah to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the people of Israel and Jewish communities across the globe. May the new year be filled with peace, hope, good health and continued progress for all."

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this timing is highly strategic. While India is currently hosting the BRICS summit—a bloc often seen as a counterweight to Western hegemony—PM Modi's public greeting to the Israeli leader underscores India's commitment to its strategic partnership with Israel. By emphasizing 'peace' and 'hope,' India subtly signals its desire for stability in the volatile Middle East region without entering into specific political disputes.

"The ability to maintain high-level cordiality with diverse global powers simultaneously is the hallmark of India's current strategic autonomy."

Historical Background: Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, a time for reflection and renewal. India-Israel relations have evolved from quiet cooperation to a full-fledged strategic partnership over the last decade, particularly in the sectors of defense, water management, and counter-terrorism.

The greeting comes at a time when world leaders, including those from Russia and China, are gathered in the Indian capital. While the BRICS summit focuses on trade deficits, rare earth minerals, and global governance, the gesture toward Israel highlights the 'multi-aligned' nature of Indian foreign policy, ensuring that no key ally is overlooked during major multilateral events.

Did You Know?: It is a tradition during Rosh Hashanah to eat apples dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet and fruitful year ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the significance of Rosh Hashanah?
A: It is the Jewish New Year, marking the anniversary of the creation of the world according to Jewish tradition.

Q2: Where is the 18th BRICS Summit taking place?
A: The summit is being held in New Delhi, India.