The warm gesture underscored the strong personal and strategic relationship between the two leaders and their nations. Netanyahu and Sara Netanyahu stood by as Modi boarded his plane, following a ceremonial departure that included mutual expressions of commitment to expanded cooperation.

Modi concluded his visit, which began Wednesday, after addressing Israel’s Knesset, holding talks with Netanyahu and other officials, and overseeing the signing of agreements in areas including innovation, technology, security, defense and trade.

In a post on X, Modi expressed gratitude for the hospitality, noting he was “deeply touched” that Netanyahu and his wife came to the airport to see him off personally. He added that he was confident the India-Israel partnership would “continue to reach new heights in the years to come.”