Cultural Diplomacy in Jerusalem: PM Modi Applauds Kerala’s Traditional Thiruvathira During Landmark Israel Visit

The performance was staged by a group of Keralite caregivers—a community that forms the backbone of the Indian workforce in Israel. Dressed in the iconic off-white Kasavu sarees with golden borders, the women performed the rhythmic, circular folk dance to the accompaniment of traditional melodies, recreating the festive spirit of their home state in the heart of Jerusalem. Prime Minister Modi, visibly impressed by the graceful execution and coordination, remarked that the display was a testament to how the Indian diaspora preserves its rich artistic roots regardless of geographical boundaries.

Beyond the cultural spectacle, the Prime Minister’s February 25–26 visit carried significant diplomatic weight. On the second day of his itinerary, Modi held delegation-level talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the King David Hotel. The leaders focused on a multifaceted strategic agenda, ranging from defense and bilateral trade to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Quantum computing. Central to their dialogue was a shared concern for regional stability, with both leaders discussing potential pathways for a durable peace in Gaza and the broader Middle East.

While the visit was largely characterized by these bilateral milestones, it also took place against a backdrop of domestic political noise. Recent social media discourse has surfaced unverified claims originating from the so-called "Epstein files," alleging external influences on the Prime Minister’s prior 2017 visit to Israel. However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has moved swiftly to neutralize these rumors. Official spokespersons dismissed the claims as "baseless" and "trashy ruminations" of a convicted criminal, asserting that such misinformation holds no merit in the face of established diplomatic protocol and the transparent nature of state-level engagements.

The Jerusalem event underscores a deliberate shift in India’s foreign policy, where cultural diplomacy is increasingly leveraged to strengthen strategic partnerships. By engaging directly with the caregiver community, the Prime Minister highlighted the human element of the India-Israel bond, elevating the status of migrant workers to that of "cultural ambassadors." As the visit concludes, the synergy between traditional heritage and modern security cooperation remains a defining feature of the evolving bilateral relationship.